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Negredo backs himself to shine in the Premier League

Alvaro Negredo impressed during his run on Saturday © Getty Images

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Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo insists his physical presence will allow him to thrive in the Premier League.

Negredo, 27, impressed during City's Barclays Asia Trophy run, proving effective in the wins against South China and Sunderland.

The Spaniard, nicknamed the 'Beast of Vallecas' for his strength, is adamant he is well suited to English football.

"It makes me laugh when they called me the Beast," he said, according to the Guardian. "But, yes, I think I am a strong player who can fight and be physical.

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"I have some qualities that will suit the Premier League - my style suits the game in England, but I also like to believe that I have good technical ability as well.

"It was my team-mates who first started calling me the Beast. It soon became so popular that the media in Spain also started to use the nickname.

"I can be both physical and technical. There are some matches where the physical approach is very important and other games where you can show off your skill."

Edin Dzeko's match-winning goals in Asia and the signings of Negredo and Stevan Jovetic have given coach Manuel Pellegrini confidence in his strike force.

Despite the competition he will face from Jovetic, Dzeko and Sergio Aguero for a starting place, Negredo is unfazed and believes his fellow attackers can help City challenge for silverware this season.

"I knew of [City's] interest this summer, it came through my agent and was a compliment," he added. "I was very happy and I wanted to join. It's a really big club, there is an opportunity to challenge for titles every single year and now I get to play in the Champions League. I wanted to get experience in the Premier League that I love.

"It's an honour to be part of the [City] squad and when you have a lot of competitiveness it makes everyone be on the top of their form. This competitiveness between all of the guys - Dzeko, Aguero, Jovetic - will help the club succeed."

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