Royston Drenthe is under no illusions that he needs to improve if he wants to become a key player for Bani Yas this season.
The 28-year-old former Netherlands international has made two appearances since his free transfer, playing in the 3-3 and 1-1 draws against Fujairah and Al Shabab.
Playing in his preferred left-wing position in the latter game on Saturday, he showed glimpses of his potential, linking up well with his team-mates as well as causing problems for Caio Junior’s men.
Despite being satisfied with his first two appearances in a sky blue shirt, the former Real Madrid, Feyenoord and Everton midfielder admits there is plenty of room for improvement.
“If I feel I’m going to be happy with my performances until now, then it’s not of the standard of Royston Drenthe,” he said.
“I cannot be complacent of myself. I did a great job against Fujairah in my first game when I played in the left-back position. And against Al Shabab, I felt I could’ve done much better and I did a couple of mistakes but I also did some good things. But I still need to remain positive and I know I can do much better.”
Bani Yas remain undefeated going into the international break, sitting third with eight points. And the 2007 European Under-21 Championship Player of the Year feels his team are on the right track but has warned his team-mates not to be complacent after a solid start to the campaign.
“I think we can do well this season,” he said. “It’s still too early to judge as it’s early in the season but everyone has to be patient. We haven’t lost any games and we’ve done a great job so far. Of course, if we had 12 points, then everyone would be really happy but football’s not like that.
“We need to be confident because I can see in training myself of the capability of players we have. We shouldn’t be afraid of any opponent and remain focused on our job.”
One player that has caught Drenthe’s eye is Argentine Joaquin Larrivey, who has been in lethal form since his move from Celta Vigo in the summer. The 31-year-old has notched five goals so far but Drenthe insists his team-mates including himself must also contribute.
“He is a really good striker and if we give him the ball, he can be really important for us,” he said.
“If I can put the balls to him then hopefully he can score. We play football with 11 players, and it’s not just about him or me, it’s about Bani Yas and that’s the most important thing to contribute more.”
Drenthe was substituted after 72 minutes against Shabab but had no complaints at the decision.
He added: “It’s difficult at times to give your best all the time and if I cannot give 100 per cent in the last 20 minutes, then I’m happy for someone who is fresh to come on and complete the job.”
