‘I performed in China, Italy, France and Denmark – now I’m prepared for the Premier League’

The fast and furious Premier League has no equal.

That is the verdict of Ipswich Town’s new signing Jens Cajuste when it comes to the wild, topsy-turvy nature of the English elite. The Swedish midfielder, on loan for the season from Italian giants Napoli, is better placed than most to pass such judgement.

For in addition to competing at the top end of Serie A, Cajuste, a former youth player with Chinese club Sports Beijing, also had spells in France and Denmark before arriving on these shores.

And, make no mistake, nothing he has witnessed across the globe previously can rival our ferocious, helter-skelter top flight, with its constant thrills, spills and last-gasp winners.

Ahead of today’s trip to Tottenham, Cajuste, 25, revealed: “We lived in China growing up and I started playing football there. Then it’s been a little bit all over the place.

“Denmark, I played there, France, Italy and now I’m here in the UK. It’s been a ride. I had an expectation the Premier League would be tough and competitive and that’s exactly what I’ve seen so far. Every game is a battle and can go either way, it feels like.

“Definitely the intensity is higher compared to Italy, where it was more tactical, more side-to-side movements. France is a bit similar, with the duels but the intensity here is still a step up.”

Of course, Kieran McKenna’s outfit, still to win on their return to the big time after 22 years away, were involved in the craziest contest so far this season, losing 4-3 at Brentford to a 96th-minute winner.

Ex-Reims ace Cajuste admitted: “It was a rollercoaster of emotions and conceding in the last minute was devastating. But, in terms of being on the pitch, I enjoyed the experience.”