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Soccer News of Thursday, 17 July 2014

Source: ghanasoccernet.com

Opare determined to fight for starting role

New Porto signing Daniel Opare says he is not afraid of the competition he faces for a starting role at the Portuguese giants.

The Ghana World Cup defender must be at his best to topple Brazilian right-back Danilo who made 28 appearances and scored three goals.

Left-back Alex Sandro, also from Brazil, played 26 matches.

The former Real Madrid Castilla player must put in more work to convince head coach Julen Lopetegui as he prepares to settle on his team for the upcoming season.

Opare has been training with the team on pre-season in Horst, Holland. He believes his versatility makes him a perfect signing and has the qualities to make the team stronger.

“Danilo is an excellent player and we will have a friendly competition, which is great for the team. If he and I can play well in the same position, that can only be good because all of us will get better,” Opare told the club’s official website.

“I am confident and comfortable playing on either side of the defence. I played on the left many times, both in my national team and for Standard Liège, as I kept switching sides.

“Alex Sandro and Danilo are both good players, but there can’t be only one option for a position. If we are all active and feeling good, it will help the club. I think I have quality to help the team and that is what matters.”

Opare joined the Dragons on a free transfer after completing a three-year stay at Belgium side Standard Liege.