Sheffield United midfielder Vini Souza is today featured in a long interview with the Brazilian media, as he spoke to Globo Esporte.
The 25-year-old is currently enjoying some time off in Rio de Janeiro, and talked about how his first year in the Premier League went for him.
Souza joined Sheffield United last summer, with the Blades spending €12.5m to get him from Belgian side Lommel SK.
Even though many players admit to struggling when they join the Premier League, the Brazilian insists he was fine with the game rhythm, as what he actually had to work on was his chemistry with the team.
“It wasn’t very easy (as a team), but I found it very easy individually. I felt comfortable in the Premier League. I didn’t find it difficult to play. I felt ready to be in the Premier League. It came naturally.
“It felt like I was ready for the Premier League, even though I’d never played. I came from a team that played defensively in La Liga. When I arrived at Sheffield United and they showed me the game plan, I started to focus on that. The fewer touches I had on the ball, the better. I could get out of pressure with one touch. These were things I discussed with the analysis staff that I had to improve, so when I arrived in the Premier League, I was already very focussed. I hope the same thing happens next season.”
The midfielder also revealed that he has a partnership with a company who provide him information packs about his performances. That way, he knows he’ll be ready for all matches, regardless of the club’s instructions.
“They talk to me the night before the match and I can take them to the match the next day. I change the key very quickly. I keep it in my head a lot. It doesn’t bother me. I really enjoy it. When I take on a direct tackler, who I know is going to receive the ball in my space, then I like to arrive at the time and know that he’s going to take it more to the right, and I’m going to close in on the left so that he can take it to the right and I can steal the ball. That’s one of my secrets of the game.”
Vini Souza was also asked about his future at Sheffield United. He doesn’t sound very sure he’s staying with the Blades for another year, but doesn’t look like he’s chasing a move away from the club either.
“I arrived on holiday and wanted to completely disconnect. I told my dad that for the first week I wanted to completely relax. I don’t know anything. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m still from Sheffield. I have a date to go back to Sheffield. I just want to be with my kids and enjoy the rest of my holidays because next season is sure to be a heavy one.”
