---
title: "Yoshida embracing tough competition with The Saints"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2015/10/21/yoshida-embracing-tough-competition-saints/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "News"
published: "2015-10-21T16:29:32Z"
modified: "2015-10-21T16:29:32Z"
---

# Yoshida embracing tough competition with The Saints

Maya Yoshida has [embraced](https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/13882668.Yoshida_will_fight_for_Southampton_place/) the tough competition around him for the centre back starting position at Southampton, insisting that he is determined to take his game to a “higher level”.

Yoshida’s start for Southampton was against Manchester United in a 3-2 home defeat; one in which he made a costly error. However, the 27-year old Japanese defender is still optimistic about his chances with The Saints.

He told The Daily Echo: “I need more improvements, so just keep go on and I need to improve a lot if I play as a full-back and a centre-back also I need to improve.”

![Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2015/10/483268000.jpg)

When talking about the competition he faces, Yoshida added: “It is always positive, as I say, the good competition makes the players better. Virgil is a good player and, of course, Jose is always good as a captain. In high level competition I can improve.”

Despite a tricky start to the campaign for Maya Yoshida, he is keeping his head up and is keeping faith in himself to take back a position in Ronald Koeman’s plans.

“I will try to get my position as a centre-back but also I can play at full-backs when team need help, or depend on how we play,” he told the local newspaper.

“So that’s always try to finding myself as a new challenge, because I don’t want to make a limit. It is easy to limit yourself.”

Do you think Yoshida is good enough for Southampton?