DC United goalkeeper Bill Hamid admits he is continually looking to improve his game after experiencing another invaluable training stint with West Bromwich Albion.
The 23-year old returned to England's West Midlands for a second spell in December and has revealed that it has helped him realise just how much work he has to do in order to become a top-class player.
"Their training is first-class," Hamid told MLSsoccer.com.
"When I heard I was going to get the chance to go back there, I was delighted. Honestly, the pace of the game [in Europe] is different - it's much faster, they shoot the ball harder, they're smarter. Technically they can pull off some amazing things.
"I just wanted to learn," he added. "I wanted to go there and learn and do my best, showcase myself and make myself better."
Hamid was also involved in the USA squad's January training camp and say it was an honour to be competing against the likes of Tim Howard (Everton) and Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) for a spot in the World Cup roster.
"I never expected to make it this far when I was a kid. I just played soccer, had fun with it," he added. "Now that I'm here in the situation, I get put in the same sentence as those guys, get called in by the same coach as they do, I'm representing my country. For me, it's very special."
