VANCOUVER, B.C. — Newly signed Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper David Ousted has big dreams for his career, but appears grounded about reaching his targets.
One day after signing a multi-year deal with the club, the big Dane told reporters during his first exchange with the media on Friday that he has aspirations to one day play in one of Europe’s top leagues, and feels the development he’ll get from Vancouver’s coaching staff – namely goalkeeper coach Marius Rovde – will help him get there.
“I wanted to try and go abroad and play in other places than Denmark,” Ousted said at his official introduction. “This was the place that had all the right features for me, both on and off the field.”
While the 28-year-old is set to begin training with his new teammates on Monday, he isn’t eligible to play until after July 9 when the North American transfer window opens – Vancouver’s first match after that date is on July 14 against the Chicago Fire at BC Place.
READ: Despite Ousted signing, Whitecaps insist nighton is still the incumbent
Given he hasn’t played in a month, Ousted says before he can challenge current starting goalkeeper Brad Knighton for playing time, he needs to get back into match shape.
“Hard work is the key to getting in there,” Ousted responded when asked what he would need to do to usurp Knighton. “I’m going to get my physical levels up. I’m going to work as hard as I can, and when the coaches think I’m ready I’ll get the chance and all I'll have to do [is] grab that chance.”
Playing in a market with plenty of media exposure and with one of the highest average attendances in the league is something Ousted says he’s looking forward to – and that’s probably a good thing in this city.
“I love it,” a grinning Ousted said of the focus the media often puts on goalkeepers. “You have a chance to be the hero and the villain on the same day.
“I’m looking forward to the pressure and I hope I’ll be the hero the most times.”
