Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Aalborg admitted it was "difficult" to make his Premier League debut after the 22-year-old kept a clean sheet in the Black Cats' 1-0 win over Leeds United.
spoke to the swedish goalkeeper sportbladet After the match he described the moment as an "incredible" experience. January transfer from Malmö FF.
Aalborg was given the starting spot as regular goalkeeper Robin Roefs missed the game due to injury. Sunderland took all three points, with Habib Diarra scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.
The goalkeeper spoke immediately after the final whistle while the Sunderland team bus headed north. He said the team's mood was positive after both the win and his individual achievement.
"It's a good atmosphere and everyone is very happy, both for the win and for me too," Aalborg said.
However, the young goalkeeper admitted that the moment was not quite over yet.
"It's hard to accept. It's a dream come true. To make your debut in the best league in the world and keep a clean sheet feels incredible. It doesn't get any better than that."
Instant effect after January arrival
Aalborg only arrived at Sunderland during the January transfer window, when the club signed him from Malmö FF. Swedish reports said the deal was worth around £3.3m (€3.9m).
Despite being new to the club, the goalkeeper revealed the transition has been smooth.
"It was perfect. I felt so welcome from day one that it felt like I'd been at Sunderland for more than a month." He said.
The 22-year-old also highlighted how Sunderland's defense helped ease his debut night.
"It was nice to make a good save and feel like I came into the game. It's been a pretty simple match for me."He said. "Our outfield players and defenders work very hard to block shots and clear the ball away. He made it easy for me.”
Good news for Sunderland
Aalborg's debut may not require sustained heroics, but a clean sheet in his Premier League debut will certainly strengthen his case for more opportunities.
With Roughs currently sidelined, Sunderland may now have another reliable option between the positions. Aalborg, meanwhile, has already given the kind of start most young goalkeepers only dream of.
