Manchester United goalkeeper Sene Lamenz is enjoying the physical challenge of the Premier League after a tough 1-0 win away at Everton.
Everton tried to put pressure on Lamence through a series of corners in Monday’s game at Hill Dickinson Stadium as they approached the six-yard box, with the Toffees also testing the 23-year-old with several long-range shots.
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But the Belgian, formerly of Royal Antwerp, is determined to continue an impressive start to his Premier League career.
Many overseas goalkeepers initially struggled with the physical nature of the English game.
However, Lamens is ready for the fight and his form has helped United move back into the top four under caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
“To me, that’s what it is,” he said Thursday. “This is the Premier League. It’s also a matter of physicality and, like you said, there’s a bit of a battle in the (penalty box). That’s one of my strengths too, so I like a challenge sometimes.”
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He added: “Of course there have to be certain rules and it can’t go to too many levels.
“But I also like it, getting out of my comfort zone a little bit and dealing with these situations because now even though there are a lot of people next to me, I’m still coming from the cross, so it also gives me a good feeling that I’m doing well and doing well.”
United signed Lamence for £18 million ($24 million) on September’s transfer deadline day, and he has since replaced the uncertain future of Altai Bayindil, who took over both roles at the Red Devils from Andre Onana.
This is only the 6ft 4in (1.93m) Lamenz’s second season in senior football but so far he has adapted well to the demands of playing for a club as prestigious as Manchester United.
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“I said a few weeks ago that I really couldn’t imagine things getting better,” Lamens explained.
“But I also don’t want to look back too much. It’s great, but I still have to prove myself every week.”
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