AZ Alkmaar youngster James Holland admits he has learnt a lot in just one season with the Dutch club.

The 20-year old signed with Alkmaar from A-League club Newcastle Jets in January last year and despite not making a senior appearance says it was a fruitful season for him, culminating in selection for the Australian preliminary World Cup squad

"It's been a good year for me personally," Holland told AZTV. "It was my first full season here, so I was getting used to things a bit and getting used to the culture, the weather, the football and everything.

"Looking back it's been good. I've grown a lot as a footballer and as a person as well. Tactically it's a lot different over here compared to in Australian football.

"Obviously over here, they focus a lot more on technique compared to Australia as well, so technically I've improved a lot and tactically I've learned a lot of things compared to what I did in Australia."