A Conversation with Luton Midfielder Tom Krauss: Family, Christmas Away from Home, and Championship Dreams

The Luton midfielder from Germany shared with Sky Sports, "Both my dad and granddad were footballers, so I'm hoping my child will follow in their footsteps and become a footballer as well."

"My dad was a coach, too. He's so important to me and we speak after every game.

"He has been over twice to watch me. Once for the derby against Watford, which was a great game for him to be at because we won so well at home.

"He said to me, 'this is real football because the crowd do everything for the game with the noise they make'."

Having joined on loan from Mainz in the summer, Krauss is now preparing for a first Christmas in England - which is, of course, very different to what he is used to back home.

The last few months have been a learning curve, a challenge for a 23-year-old living abroad for the first time. But he is determined, adapting and growing all the time.

"It's my first time living outside of Germany and it can be tough," he admits.

"It isn't easy because I'm a big family guy. It will be my first time away from them for Christmas, but I have my girlfriend here and my two dogs.

"In German you can make your jokes and things, but it can be tricky here because I'm still learning English.

"But I appreciate it, and I'm enjoying the experience. Learning all these new things and a new style of football."

Krauss was playing catch-up at the start of the season after joining late in the window and then dealing with an ankle injury.

He didn't feature for Luton until late September, but has featured in every game since.

The frantic nature of the Championship is something he loves, and he feels it suits his game.

"I love to play much more than I like to train and there are a lot of games here," he says with a smile.

"We have 46, far more than we play in Germany. We even play on Boxing Day! It's crazy for me but I love it.

"I had a little ankle injury which kept me out at first, but I've played pretty much ever since."

While he has been pleased with his own performances and improvements, Krauss also admits that it has not gone the way it should have for Luton this season.

Relegated from the Premier League, they head into the final weekend before Christmas down in 19th in the table.

"The results are good at home, but away from home it's not been good enough and we know that," says Krauss.

"The team has come from the Premier League and we have to be a bit better.

"But to do that we have to stay positive and to work hard with the team. That's really important. To keep our heads up.

"But in terms of my game I'm feeling better and better.

"In Germany there can be more control. In the Championship you're running left, right, left, right! It's crazy. In the first few weeks I had little problems with my hamstrings after games.

"I feel like the style of football here is perfect for me. I like the intensity. Now I know why everyone always says it's the best second league in the world. I love playing in it.

"I just want to work hard and learn every day here."

It is the brilliance of the Championship and the noise of the fans at Kenilworth Road that have won Krauss over.

Even in a difficult season so far for the club, he has earned a place in the affections of Luton supporters due to his committed displays and passionate nature in the middle of the park.

"There are different styles but I remember saying to my dad after a few games that the quality in the league was so good. There are so many talented players here," he says.

"The stadium is small, but they make such a noise. And they are so near to the pitch. I love that as a player, being so close to the crowd."

Krauss hopes to be in England for a long time to come. And if he keeps impressing the way he has, you're likely to hear a lot more about him in the coming seasons.