Aaron Wan-Bissaka has described 2018 as a “breakthrough year” as he relishes what’s in store for him in 2019.

The 21-year-old has locked down a right back spot since being given his first-team Crystal Palace debut against Tottenham Hotspur in February.

Nearly 30 appearances later he has won over fans at Selhurst Park, impressed peers around the Premier League, and even featured in England’s under-21s setup.

Despite Palace ending 2018 with a defeat to Chelsea, he helped keep their most dangerous player Eden Hazard quiet in another display of his promising potential.

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“It's a breakthrough year for me, it's changed a lot for me,” Wan-Bissaka said. “My aim is to do better next year.”

When the defender was asked whether he foresaw the opportunity, he added: “No. I didn't expect a breakthrough to come the way it's happened to me but I'm grateful for it and I'll take the chance that's been given to me.”

With 2019 comes the next iteration of the European Under-21 Championship, held over two weeks in June across Italy and San Marino, a tournament England has already qualified for.

And the year after, the senior Three Lions will look to qualify for Euro 2020 as Wembley Stadium hosts the final of the continental tournament.

Wan-Bissaka has already played twice for the England’s under-21s and could be in line to make his senior debut next year.

But the 21-year-old insists he is focused on improving himself as opportunities arise.

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He said: “The aim is just to go forward, whether with England [the senior squad] or the under-21s, just to keep pushing and improving.”