Bouzanis bid to live up to stellar billing

DEAN BOUZANIS: facing a bit of a wall for the number one spot

DEAN Bouzanis was once labelled “the best goalkeeper in the world for his age” by Rafa Benitez.

With a promising career bubbling away at Liverpool and a stage on which to shine for Australia in the 2012 Olympics lying in wait, a career at the top level seemed likely for the ex-Sydney FC trainee.

But the breakthrough didn’t materialise. Bouzanis left Anfield last summer as quietly as his national team slinked out of the qualifying process.

Now, with 2012-13 around the corner and having enjoyed almost as much pre-season friendly game-time as his rival Alex Cisak, Bouzanis feels ready to start showing off the form that had Benitez wax

lyrical about him.

"I had a few offers at the end of last season," said the 21 year old, "and a big reason I signed (here) was down to Paul Dickov. He gave me the chance to kickstart my career again, so I stuck by him.

"And I am doing everything I can to get the jersey at the start of this season."

Bouzanis made nine first-team appearances last season, stepping in for the injured Cisak.

The player is hoping to overcome the odds and keephold of the ’keeper’s jersey - despite his rival's full recovery.

"There is competition between me and Cisak to get that number one shirt, and it is something I want more than anything. There is always competition and it is healthy. But if you just worry about yourself then everything else will fall into place."








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