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England forward Maro Itoje says he is aiming to become a “complete player”
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The 21-year-old won the double with club Saracens in 2016
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He was also key to England’s Grand Slam in the Six Nations and whitewash of Australia
England and Saracens forward Maro Itoje says he is aiming to become a “complete player”, and insists there is plenty of room for improvement despite going the 2015/16 unbeaten.
Despite the “special” season, he admits “many aspects” of his own game can be developed further.
“I don’t know many players who peak at 21,” revealed Itoje.
“I want to get stronger, faster, and fitter. I want to try and be as complete a player as possible.”
“Last season was pretty special and I was fortunate enough to do it with some pretty good people as well, which made it even more enjoyable,” he said.
“Last year is one that will go in the memory bank, but now that it’s over it’s quite interesting how quickly your mind shifts towards the next goals you want to achieve.
“Now it’s done, we are looking forward.”
Although widely tipped to feature on the Lions tour, Itoje is trying to follow the advice of England captain Dylan Hartley and not to get carried away.
“I’m not really looking that far ahead – it’s important to focus on the here and now,” Itoje said.
“I want to get in the best possible shape I can in pre-season and start the season well, to a higher quality than last season.”
Away from rugby, Itoje has one more year left of a politics degree at the School of Oriental and African and Studies.
