New Blue relishing challenge
04 Jul 2007 - 08:42:28
Birmingham City's new signing Daniel de Ridder doesn't believe he will have any problem adapting to life in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old Dutchman became Blues boss Steve Bruce's fifth signing of the summer when he completed a free transfer switch from Celta Vigo on Tuesday and doesn't envisage any problems in the transition from Spain to England.
De Ridder, who was an integral part of the Netherlands Under-21 side that successfully retain the European Championship last month, chose Birmingham ahead of a return to first club Ajax.
"The Premiership is the most exciting league in the world, but I have played for Ajax in the Champions League and in La Liga for Celta Vigo, so I am used to a high level of football," he told the club's official website.
"If you look at the teams and the players in the Premiership now, I think my style of football will suit this league.
"I have good vision. I can read the game and pass well with both my right and left foot. I can beat players one on one and my crossing is good.
"A lot of Dutch players have been successful in the Premiership and I hope that I can follow in their footsteps.
"I had very satisfying talks with Steve Bruce and I got a good feeling about the move to Birmingham City.
"The manager told me that he wanted me in his squad and that was the most important thing to hear."
Meanwhile, Birmingham have reportedly agreed to sign Ghana international goalkeeper Richard Kingston from Turkish club Antalyaspor.