Steven Benda eyeing number one shirt after injury frustration
Steven Benda has his sights set on becoming first-choice goalkeeper for Swansea City as preparations step up ahead of the new season.
The 22-year-old joined Swansea City’s academy setup in 2017, having been recommended to the club by former keeper Gerhard Tremmel.
The young German got a taste of first team experience after being loaned out to League Two side Swindon Town during the 2019-20 season, racking up 27 games under his belt.
After his return from the County Ground, Benda made his senior debut for Swansea City last term in a 2-1 home victory over Millwall.
An ankle ligament injury suffered in January would frustratingly rule him out for three months but, having now fully recovered, Benda is ready to battle with Ben Hamer and Lewis Webb for the starting role between the sticks following Freddie Woodman’s return to Newcastle.
“Pre-season is going well, we’ve been training a lot and the training has been good,” said Benda.
“It’s good to be back with the boys and great to get the legs going and build the chemistry with the boys.
“It’s good to start the season with a new slate, it’s a new beginning with no injuries and hopefully it will stay like that for the season. I can’t want to get the season going and hopefully I will be able to show what I can do”
The Swans pre-season preparation got underway last week, as the squad undertook a training camp at Pennyhill Park to get ready for upcoming pre-season games against Plymouth Argyle, Bristol Rovers, Forest Green Rovers and Southampton.
Benda was also among those to get some minutes under their belts over a pair of behind-closed- doors games against Newport.
“Being at Pennyhill Park was nice, they had amazing facilities there, but it’s good to be back now,” he added of the return to Fairwood.
“I think we’re playing every three days soon so the games will be coming thick and fast, but with each pre-season game that passes we’re getting that much closer to the start of the season.”
“Playing games is the best thing to do to build chemistry and hopefully the new boys will be able to settle in quickly and show what they can do as well.”
