Dean Bouzanis, the Australian goalkeeper who was once regarded by former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez as ‘the best goalkeeper in the world for his age’, expresses how daily training alongside Pepe Reina at Liverpool fuels his ambition to advance his career – both at Anfield and in the green and gold.
At just 20, Bouzanis participated in Holger Osieck’s Emerging Socceroos squad recently convened in Germany, where the promising keeper impressively featured in a friendly match against Borussia Monchengladbach during the training camp.
Having joined Anfield at the age of 16, Bouzanis has returned to the Liverpool reserves excited after a fruitful national team camp, granting him a taste of life at the Barclays Premier League club.
“It’s unbelievable; the feeling of representing Liverpool Football Club is unreal,” Bouzanis reflected.
“I find myself pinching my arm occasionally because I’m at such a prestigious club.
“I recognize how fortunate I am. My lifelong dream was to arrive here, but coming over at such a young age and receiving all my training from Liverpool Football Club is just incredible; that’s why I put in so much effort every day.”
Bouzanis considers Spanish goalkeepers the finest in the world, making his daily interactions with Reina something he cherishes.
“I’m very fortunate to have Pepe (Reina) with me at the club,” Bouzanis stated.
“He sets a perfect example for me. His professionalism on and off the pitch is remarkable. Everything he does is simply outstanding.
“It’s an honor to learn from someone so skilled.
“There’s a lot to absorb. Even things you initially think won’t work when he does them—you try them, and you realize that they are brilliant. You pick up on the subtle things he does.”
Training each day in the fiercely competitive environment of Premier League football has ignited Bouzanis’s desire to elevate his career.
He aims to distinguish himself in the lineup, even with Mark Schwarzer showing no signs of retirement, as he dreams of one day being the Socceroos’ first-choice goalkeeper.
“From a young age, I’ve aspired to be a part of the Socceroos, and that longing will never fade,” he mentioned.
“I’m always eager to progress.”
The week spent training under Osieck’s guidance in Germany has left Bouzanis craving more international experiences; he notes that the camp and Osieck’s commitment to integrating young talents like striker Brent McGrath and fellow goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak have energized the next generation of Socceroos.
“Holger took an active role; he encouraged us to play without fear, to keep our game natural, and he was consistently engaging with us,” Bouzanis recounted.
“It’s motivating to hear the manager’s insights and thoughts. It instilled a lot of confidence in me right from the beginning.
“I hope to have further opportunities to be part of the national setup because this camp has ignited my desire to remain involved.”
“It clearly indicates that the manager is open to including young players if they demonstrate potential.
“It inspires us players to pursue the same path.”
Although Bouzanis did not join the senior Socceroos during the camp, he has benefitted from advice from Mark Schwarzer—the player whose jersey he dreams of wearing one day.
“I faced him in the FA Cup (while on loan) at Accrington,” Bouzanis shared.
“We exchanged jerseys … he recognized I was Australian and took me under his wing a bit, providing me with a lot of encouragement.
“He advised me to keep playing and performing well; these are critical stages in your development, so soak up as much knowledge as you can.
“He was incredibly supportive, and I appreciate him for taking the time to speak with me after the match. It speaks volumes about the kind of person he is.”
Next on Bouzanis’s list is securing a call-up to the Olyroos, which serves as the next milestone in his international journey.
“My significant short-term objective is to participate in the Olympics. We have two qualifying matches in June if we hope to get anywhere near that target.
“Following the Olympics comes the Socceroos.
“Nothings stands in between.
“You either meet the standard, or you don’t.
“It’s essential to excel at your club and catch the right eyes, and by doing so, you create your opportunities for that leap.”
by Buford Balony
