David Wagner downplayed 2016 Huddersfield Town signing - he's a cult hero now | OneFootball

The striker joined the Terriers ahead of their promotion to the Premier League, playing a key role while on loan.

The 2016/17 campaign was one that Huddersfield Town supporters will never forget, as they made history and won promotion to the Premier League, returning to the top flight for the first time since 1972.

The Terriers had made the decision in the previous season to let go of Chris Powell and bring in David Wagner as their new manager, and the decision paid off as they staved off the drop and secured their Championship status for another year.

However, improvements to the squad were needed as the West Yorkshire outfit looked to push towards mid-table in the second tier. Christopher Schindler, Michael Hefele and Rajiv van La Parra were brought in on permanent deals, alongside several others - but it was the loan market where Wagner truly shone.

The additions of Aaron Mooy, Danny Ward and Kasey Palmer all proved to be influential, while the arrival of Elias Kachunga from Ingolstadt in Germany was a move that may have surprised many at the time, but Huddersfield were right to take a chance on the forward.

Wagner tried to ease the pressure on Kachunga's shoulders

At 24, the forward did have a decent amount of experience, but he had struggled to be prolific during his previous years in the 2. Bundesliga.

Nevertheless, the decision was made to bring him to England and give himself the chance to show off his talents in the Championship for a side that's main aim was to keep their second tier status once again.

Wagner tried his best to take all the pressure off the current Cambridge United man on his arrival, and he explained the reasons why he was brought in after his new forward was unveiled as a Huddersfield player, via the BBC: "Sometimes you need a hard experience as a young player to make steps forward.

"I'm sure with his pace, mobility and working attitude he gives another great option up front, which we needed for the upcoming season.

"It was a big target of ours in this summer window to bring in senior competition for Nahki Wells and I believe that is what Elias will give."

Wagner's words paid off, as Kachunga scored on his Championship debut against Brentford before picking up two assists in his fourth match. Confidence was flowing early on for the Terriers, and their new addition was proving to be a handful across the front three.

Kachunga's efforts landed him a permanent stay at the John Smith's Stadium

Huddersfield's momentum continued throughout the season, and the one-time capped DR Congo international was proving to be a real asset, with fans falling in love with him quickly.

While they were unable to keep pace with the top two, the Yorkshire side did manage to secure their place in the play-offs, with Kachunga ending the year with 12 goals and four assists in the league.

They faced Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-finals, and despite not scoring, the Terriers kept out their opponents and managed to beat them on penalties, setting up a meeting with Reading in the final at Wembley.

In what was a rather drab affair, Huddersfield kept their nerves in the shootout following another 0-0 draw, with Kachunga playing his part until he was brought off just after the hour mark.

His performances earned him a permanent move to the John Smith's Stadium, where he became somewhat of a cult icon thanks in part to his role in helping the team to promotion to the Premier League, and he went on to spend another three years with the club before leaving for the Owls with 128 Town appearances under his belt, 17 goals and 10 assists.

Despite the fact the highs of 2016/17 were never met again, Kachunga departed a hero and is looked back on fondly, having posted career-high numbers during his West Yorkshire stay.