Villarreal and Nigerian striker Ikechukwu Uche is convinced that he can score more goals that he did last season in the Spanish La Liga.  Uche is expected to spearhead Villarreal’s attack as they kick off their season with a trip to Levante on August 24.

Uche scored 14 goals last term and when quizzed on his readiness for the new season, the Nigerian forward told the club’s website that he was ready to compete  to fight for a starting role in the Yellow Submarines.

“Competition is good because it forces you to work harder in every practice and every game. My personal goal is to improve my goal scoring numbers from last season, “said the top scorer of the 2013-14  season, with 14 goals.

Uche, who was left out of Nigeria’s team to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil by Coach Stephen Keshi, said his first objective in the upcoming season was to help Villarreal qualify for the Europa League.

“We have to go game by game but it is very important that we go beyond the preliminary round  of the Europe because it will boost our confidence to start our league competition well.

“Hopefully we can repeat the same feat we achieved a year ago, although it will be difficult because the other teams already know us and have closed the gap. But we know what we need to do to improve and if we fight well, we will make it’, added Uche, who noted that the key to success in Europe and the La Liga is adequate preparations.

“The pre-season is going as expected because now is the time to work hard and go slowly, picking pace of competition with friendlies.”

Speaking on the signing of Luciano Vietto, Uche said “he is a very good footballer, whose fast pace will unsettle our opponents and that’s good for everyone in Villarreal. We will help you to continue growing as a player and become a key player for the team, “said one of the leaders of the submarine, which frowns to increase the quality of the workforce.