He has a Masters degree in electronic engineering but Julen Etxabeguren admits it has taken a while to adapt to the concept of the Scottish top six as well as playing in a back three for the first time in his career at Dundee.
The 25-year-old Spaniard, who was snapped up by Dens boss Paul Hartley in the summer from East Fife, has become a key player for the Dark Blues in their relatively new-look defensive three alongside Darren O’Dea and Thomas Konrad.
Etxabeguren, who was on the books of Real Sociedad before coming to Scotland to pursue his academic ambitions, admits the hard work put in on the training ground is beginning to pay off with Dundee keeping a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw with Celtic on Tuesday night at home.
Now, he is looking to help the Dark Blues keep the door shut at the back again when they travel to Hamilton today looking for the win that would ensure their place in the top six for the second season running.
Etxabeguren said: “I have never played with three defenders at the back before.
“In Spain, it was 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1.
“It is good. We have been working on it in training and it also worked well at Celtic Park.
“We are playing really well just now. We are playing well as a team.
“We are defending and attacking as a team and we have worked well as a team.
“It got us an important point against Celtic.”
Etxabeguren admits he is determined to help Dundee make the top six again as he is desperate to play against the best sides as the season ticks down.
However, he revealed that some of his friends back home were left scratching their heads at the whole concept.
He added: “I remember last year Dundee were top six and the teams seventh and eighth had more points than us. Everyone was asking how we were higher up the table. I had to explain how it works!
“Everything is now in our own hands for Saturday. If we win, we will be there and that is the most important thing.
“It is the first time I have heard about this but I think it is good because there are four or five teams all fighting for three positions.
“So the split is a good thing. Everyone wants to be in the top six and to play their part against the top teams.
“I think we are a top six side but we need to prove it on Saturday. I think we should be there and I am confident we will be.”
Etxabeguren has made 21 appearances for the Dark Blues this season but would have made a lot more if it hadn’t been for bad luck with injuries.
The defender recently suffered ligament damage in his shoulder and earlier he needed an operation on his eye after a freak accident while playing against Motherwell.
He added: “I don’t think I have had a good run of games because of the injuries. I have been unlucky with strange injuries, especially to my eye.
“I also hurt my shoulder. Overall, I have had good performances but I have also missed a lot of games.
“It was also a hard time especially with my eye injury. I feel good. I lost a bit of sight but I am fine playing football.”