Anita working hard adjust to English football

Vurnon Anita has admitted it has been a 'tough transition' following his move to Newcastle United, but Alan Pardew is confident of bringing the best out of him.

Anita recognises that he will need to work hard on the physical side of his game as the style of football played in the Premier League is so different to in Holland, where he played for Ajax until the summer.

But he is ready for the challenge and hopes to make an impact for the Magpies, saying: "It's a tough transition from Holland.

"English football is quicker, more direct and much more physical than the Dutch league. There is more long ball and fight, so it is different.

"That means I must do extra work to make me stronger because that will help me in games . I am spending a lot of time in the gym after the main training session and sometimes even in the mornings too.

"But my size is not a problem. I am used to always being one of the smallest, so that means I must be a lot smarter than the taller guys."

Newcastle manager Pardew appreciates how difficult it has been for Anita to settle into the English game but believes he will soon start to flourish.

"Vurnon has had it difficult," said Pardew. "He has come from Ajax, a team who dominate possession, to a team that has been struggling for a bit of form.

"He is finding the transition hard at times, just like Cabaye did last year.

"But he is learning all the time and has fantastic technique, as you'd expect from an Ajax player. That's what we need to bring out of him."


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He had a bit of a shakey start but has always shown quality. His last few performances have been good.

 

Its very rare technical players hit the ground running in the PL. Once he adjusts we'll have a cracking option in the squad. The fans need to be patient with him.