Brad Guzan determined to be Middlesbrough’s No.1 despite stiff competition
New Boro keeper will fight Barcelona and Spanish legend Victor Valdes for starting spot
BRAD GUZAN may be competing against a multiple Champions League, World Cup and European Championship winner, but he firmly believes he can help Middlesbrough flourish this season.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper joined the Premier League side from relegated Aston Villa last week, and he insists that he is ready to fight for the No.1 spot at the Riverside.
The USA shotstopper, however, faces some stiff competition for the keeper’s jersey – with Barcelona and Spain legend Victor Valdes also arriving at the club this summer.
That is in addition to Dimi Konstantopoulos, who has been in fine form over the previous two seasons, and young Spanish stopper Tomas Mejias.
Despite the feisty competition, Guzan is confident in his own abilities.
He said: “There’s a belief and truth in the goalkeepers' union for sure.
“You want to battle - you need competition for places and that brings the best out of players.
“They are great goalkeepers and I’m very fortunate and happy to be part of this group.”
He added: “There’s an understanding between goalkeepers that everyone competes day in and day out to try and be selected on a matchday.
“You want your name to be called and you do that by proving your worth Monday to Friday on the training field.
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“Hopefully Saturday afternoon you can do the job, help the guys in front of you and keep the ball out of the back of the net.”
“You need that competitiveness so that when the matchdays roll around, everyone is ready to get a good result.”
The experienced stopper, who is expected to make his debut for Boro against Udinese in Wednesday’s friendly, is quickly settling into his new surroundings after spending eight years at Villa Park.
And from what he has seen on Teesside so far, he told the club’s website he is expecting a positive experience in the north east.
Guzan added: “It’s been a great experience so far and everyone around the training ground’s been fantastic. There’s a good amount of banter as well.
"You need seriousness and hard work but at the same time you need a laugh and a joke - it keeps everyone on their toes.
“It’s only been a few days but if it's an insight into what’s to come, it’s going to be a great time here.”