From Rotterdam to Rotherham, at just 24, it would be fair to say that Cameron Humphreys’ career has been ‘well-travelled’ thus far, but there really is no place like home.
The defender first burst onto the scene in Melbourne, when he played for his hometown club Manchester City against Real Madrid during their pre-season tour of Australia, lining up against the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, when he was just 16.
Having made his City debut two days before his 17th birthday, his next career move would see him make the hop across the continent to join Belgian outfit Zulte Waregem, where he would feature over 50 times, also enjoying a loan spell north of the border with Excelsior in the Netherlands.
Humphreys’ next move would be to Rotherham as he penned a deal at the AESSEAL New York Stadium in the summer following the expiration of his contract with the Pro League outfit.
"It hasn't been a drastic change for me and I wouldn't say it has been a case of 'adjusting',” Humphreys explained when asked about his move back to English shores.
“For me this was an opportunity to come home and I'm glad I did that.
"I wouldn't say the style of football in Belgium wasn’t too different to what it is here. They are both physical leagues, with a variety of different types of players.
"Belgium was obviously different for me personally. A lot of the lads over there could speak English, but it wasn't their main language.
"It was a good dressing room over in Belgium and everyone got on of course, but there were different groups who would speak to each other in their own language predominantly, if that makes sense.
"I enjoyed my time there, don't get me wrong and it was a fantastic experience, but I do feel a lot more settled here and as I said, because I'm 'home' It didn't feel like I needed the time to get to grips with the league or the country."
Speaking of smooth transitions, Humphreys slotted seamlessly into the Millers’ 3-5-2 system upon his arrival, having also played with a back three during his time in Waregem.
Recently, manager Matt Taylor has switched to a 4-3-3 formation, which has helped yield notable results against the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Watford and Sheffield United.
Whilst reaffirming he’s happy to do a job wherever the manager asks him to play, Humphreys admits he’s enjoyed playing in a back four again.
"In Belgium we played with a three throughout my time there, I hadn't actually played in a four for a few seasons until we deployed it recently,” Humphreys explained.
"I do feel comfortable in a four and I feel like it is actually my preference, although I'm happy to do a job in any position. Ultimately, it's the managers call and we're all behind what he decides.
"Obviously playing in a three allows the outside centre backs to be more attacking, whereas in a four you have to be a little more positionally disciplined.
"I would say there are definitely benefits to both. In a three you can be a little more expansive, but I feel that a four is more structured. It is good that we have the ability to utilise both and I think it will help us moving forward."
Humphreys has been a regular in the side since his summer arrival and has impressed with his assured displays in the backline throughout the campaign.
The defender stressed one of the key factors in his decision to join the Millers was the prospect of regular football and he admitted that he’s pleased with how things have been going of late, not just for himself, but the whole team.
"The boys are playing really well and everyone - myself included - is enjoying their football at the moment.
"The atmosphere is really positive and has been all season to be fair and we're all looking forward to seeing what we can achieve.
"We're all in a good place and I think that has been essential to how well we've been doing of late.
"It is going well for me at the moment. I'm playing week in week out and that was what I wanted when I was looking for a new club in the summer.
"I wanted to be back out on the pitch, playing regular football once again and I'm pleased I've been given the opportunity to do that with Rotherham."