AFC Bournemouth defender Ollie Harfield feels he is "improving all the time" ahead of the new season.
Harfield played 90 minutes for the under-21s against Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday, coming directly up against Championship Player of the Year Anthony Knockaert.
The full-back, 18, felt the side deserved something from the game and said: "They put out a very strong team and it was such a good experience.
"Coming up against Anthony Knockaert was a great test for me, to come up against that sort of player is really valuable. I felt I held my own and it's important for me and the team to learn from days like today and I think I'm improving all the time."
Harfield was also involved in the first team games against Valencia and Napoli, coming off the bench against the La Liga side.
The under-21s full back was delighted to get more exposure in the first team environment and added: "Pre-season has gone really well.
"I've worked hard like a lot of the lads and I feel as though I'm playing well at the moment.
"Being involved against teams like Napoli and Valencia, teams I grew up watching and watch on TV now, is fantastic for me and the other young lads involved.
"I think I just need to keep pushing forward, keep knocking on the door and see where it takes me."
