The long-serving defender adapted to life in the top flight with ease after spending his entire career in the EFL, but his own view on his meteoric rise is typically understated.
“I’m not really sure when it was [I realised I was a Premier League player],” he told The YEP. “I was just excited for every game. I couldn’t wait to get out there for every single game; hopefully that carries on this season.
“I suppose [I was surprised] a little bit.
“The first aim was to stay in the league. We always aimed far higher than that. We finished really well and got into the top half of the table which was good. Our training sessions for the last 10 games or so never changed and, once we knew we were safe, nothing changed around the place, it was always the same every single week.
"I think we showed it in our last six games, with just a great run of form that popped us up in the table really nicely. I think that was key.
“But that counts for nothing this year, we’re coming back and starting again. We’ve seen in previous years it’s quite hard the second season, we know it’s going to be a tough season.
“It’s our second year in it, we know it’s going to be a tougher season, people know about us and, from a personal point of view, players have played against you, they might see some things they can exploit.”
We’ve gathered the best of today’s Premier League speculation below…
1. Clarets plot double raid
Burnley are eyeing a double transfer raid, with both former Everton winger Ademola Lookman and Lyon left-back Maxwell Cornet on their radar. The latter has been capped over 20 times for the Ivory Coast senior side, and could cost around £15m. (The Sun) (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Photo: Justin Setterfield
2. Spurs agree Romero deal
Reports from Italy suggest Spurs have agreed a £43m deal for Atalanta defender Cristian Romero. He's currently on a two-year loan deal from Juventus, but his current side can activate a clause to buy him and immediately sell him on. (Football Italia) (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images) Photo: Alexandre Schneider
3. Tuanzebe cost revealed
Newcastle United will need to stump up £5m to sign Man Utd's Axel Tuanzebe on loan, according to reports. The Magpies face stiff competition from Aston Villa to bring in the 23-year-old, who has had two previous spells with the Villains. (Birmingham Mail) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: PAUL ELLIS
4. Battle on for Saul Niguez
Man Utd and Liverpool have both been credited with an interest in Atletico Madrid's £35m-rated midfielder Saul, as his agent prepares to fly to England to drum up interest in his client. He won La Liga with his side last season. (The Mirror) (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) Photo: Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno
5. City eye Sterling deal
Man City are said to be confident of tying down Raheem Sterling down to a new deal, despite contract talks with England's Euro 2020 star stalling. He's said to be unfazed by the potential challenge of battling incoming £100m man Jack Grealish for a starting spot. (Daily Mail) (Photo by Paul Ellis - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Paul Ellis - Pool
6. DERBY, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Todd Cantwell of Norwich during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Norwich City at Pride Park Stadium on April 10, 2021 in Derby, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Norwich City look set to demand a fee in the region of £40m for Todd Cantwell, as interest in the exciting midfielder continues to grow. He played a key role in his side's promotion back to the Premier League last season, scoring six goals and making five assists. Leeds United and Aston Villa have both been linked with moves in the past. (Express) (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling