Udinese of Italy defender, William Troost-Ekong has spoken of his aim to show the impact of what he has learnt playing in the Italian Serie A, and wants to bring his improvements to bear on the Super Eagles’ defence.
Speaking of his plans for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, the former Tottenham Hotspur of England, Haugesund of Norway, Gronigen of Holland, KAA Gent of Belgium and Bursaspor of Turkey stopper said he wants to show a different side of his game at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Although Troost-Ekong got low marks for his performance against Cristiano Ronaldo and Mario Mandzukic, when his side lost 2-0 to Juventus in their last Serie A game before the international break, the former Holland youth international believes he will do better in Uyo.
The mulatto defender has played in all eight of Udinese’s Serie A matches so far this season, completing every minute of each game, of which the statistics show that he has been outstanding in tackles and aerial battles.
Ahead of Saturday’s match in Uyo, Troost-Ekong admits Libya will be a tough opponent, but he believes he and other players in the Eagles are maturing to the point that they can handle any opposition against them.
Troost-Ekong stressed: “Playing against the top players in the world, week in, week out is the level I want to be at, and I am here now, and it’s up to me to take advantage of this.
“This is definitely the highest tempo I have played at in league football, and the highest quality league I have played in. Playing here regularly can only help to improve my game.
“I learnt a lot from each game, and hopefully I’ve got a chance to play at the Africa Cup of Nations and probably another World Cup tournament, starting with this weekend’s game against Libya.
“It will be very tough, but we are one of the best teams in Africa now, and any opponent will bring their A-game to face us.
“We will prepare the same way as we did for the double-header against Cameroon last year, as this is of the same importance.”
