Not that Alvaro Negredo is getting carried away.
The striker has been a revelation in his first seven games in England but he’s warned that the team has to put their derby day heroics behind them, with a tricky encounter with Aston Villa coming up fast.
“Derby day was a very beautiful day for this club, we were very happy and it will give us a lot of confidence going forward but we have to put that to one side and concentrate on Aston Villa now,” the 28-year old declared.
“Villa are a good team with lots of talented, young players and we will have to play at the same level we showed against United and Wigan if we are going to take the three points.
“But we are confident in our own abilities - we’re doing fine, playing well and now the goal is to continue playing in this way.
“We have new players from all over Europe, but I have played with Navas for a long time and we know each other very well, Fernandinho is a player of immense quality.
“Jovetic has been affected by injuries he is going to be a phenomenal player for the club – he gave a glimpse of this with goals against Wigan. My feeling is that the quality here is very good.”
Negredo’s killer instinct in front of goal, his creativity and relentless work-ethic aren’t the only things that have translated seamlessly from Spanish into English.
The forward’s nickname is also starting to appear in headlines on back pages of British newspapers.
The Beast of Vallecas.
”You should ask the fans what they think - but it’s a nickname I like,” Negredo laughs.
“It was given to me while I was playing in Spain, so I hope they can call me that over here as well.
...Alvaro Negredo on “The Beast” nickname...
“Hopefully the way I played against United will convince them to do it.
“Whether I score is not nearly as important as making sure the team wins. I’m absolutely delighted we could do that, but now we have to keep on working.
“I really enjoyed playing with Aguero, he’s very talented. The way he controls the ball, the things he can do with it. He has amazing technique, I hope to continue to play with him in this team.
“It’s not about me though – it’s the success of the team that’s the most important thing.”
The Madrid-born striker has scored twice and set up three goals for his teammates in his first seven games for City.
It’s led many pundits to declare Alvaro as a natural fit for the English game and the Spanish international admits that the Premier League is very much to his taste.
“I was very happy in Seville but I’m pleased with the move I made. I feel good over here and I feel I have adapted well to the English game, I really like it.
“It’s just what I was expecting - a lot of coming and going, the players have so much quality that they can keep the ball, you have to run a lot.
“It’s very intense. But I am happy, it’s to my tastes and hopefully I will keep getting better.”
Cars travelling to Villa Park on Saturday 28th September
We recommend that fans travelling by car from the North exit the M6 at Junction 7 and follow the signs for Birmingham A34.
Having passed Alexandra Stadium on the left, all vehicles should stay in the nearside lane.
Leave the main carriageway just prior to the flyover at Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium (DO NOT go over the flyover). The road splits in to four lanes as you approach the traffic lights.
Stay in the left hand lane and you will see signs for matchday parking priced at £4.
Villa Park is a ten to fifteen minute walk from the car park and using these car parks will ensure you access the motorway quickly after the match.
Any Disabled supporters should contact our Disabled Liaison Officer on 0121 327 2299 ext 344 for information on Disabled parking.
