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DeAndre Yedlin on move to Tottenham: 'I got too comfortable in Seattle'

DeAndre Yedlin says he was growing "too comfortable" with the Seattle Sounders as he prepares for a move from MLS to Tottenham and the Premier League. 

The 21-year-old full-back, who signed with Tottenham in August following a strong performance as a U.S. substitute at the World Cup, says he is eager to prove himself on the larger stage.

"I almost got too comfortable in Seattle," he told Eight By Eight magazine. "I want to challenge myself and see what I have and prove to other people and prove to myself."

History is full of American players who have tried and failed to establish themselves in Europe, and Yedlin spoke of the importance of continuing to improve his game.

"One thing I always remind myself of is that there are always younger players in better leagues doing better things than I'm doing right now," Yedlin said. "So if I'm not there, I need to get there.

"I think I just have the mentality that I'm always hungry. Even if it is a high level, once I get comfortable and I get comfortable with myself, I know that I can perform."

The initial plan was for Yedlin to change clubs next summer. But Yedlin, whose mother is from Latvia, told ESPN FC this month that he could move in the January transfer window if his Latvian passport is approved in time.

Whenever he arrives in England, Yedlin will have to compete for a spot against England international Kyle Walker.

"I don't know exactly what [Tottenham's] plans are right now," Yedlin told Eight by Eight. "They want me to come in and battle for a spot."

Yedlin chose Tottenham over an offer from Roma and said he feels he will fit in well under Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

"I'm a big fan of the style of play that Pochettino has installed in that team," Yedlin said. "I think it fits my style very well."

One aspect of Yedlin that Spurs fans have to look forward to is his daring mohawk -- often dyed blond -- but the Seattle native said that his haircut speaks to his confidence on the pitch.

"To have that hairstyle you have to have a certain amount of confidence," Yedlin said. "I think I have kind of have the same mindset that Kanye West has. He just likes to do his thing."

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