Van Ginkel declares Blues ambition

New Chelsea signing Marco van Ginkel has targeted a starting position under Jose Mourinho at the English Premier League club.

Van Ginkel officially joined Chelsea from Vitesse Arnhem on Saturday but despite only playing his third full campaign of senior football in the 2012/13 Eredivisie season, the 20-year-old Dutch midfielder is not ready to just ‘sit on the bench’ at Stamford Bridge.

While Mourinho – who has rejoined Chelsea after two seasons with Inter Milan and three campaigns with Real Madrid – has the likes of Juan Mata, Oscar, Frank Lampard, Eden Hazard, John Obi Mikel and Ramires to play in midfield, Van Ginkel remains hopeful of playing his fair share of games.

“I want to play games and not only sit on the bench, that’s what I hope for,” Van Ginkel told his new club’s website.

“I want to play in games at these great stadiums and hopefully be important for the team, whether it is from the bench or from the start.

“I spoke with the manager and he had some good words for me.

“If a trainer like this says these things to you it makes you really proud and I am happy to work with him.”

Van Ginkel has played one match for the Dutch national team but believes he can do enough with Chelsea in the upcoming season to force his way into the Netherlands’ squad for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

“Everybody wants to go to Brazil,” Van Ginkel said.

“You have to play, that’s what (head coach) Louis van Gaal has said to players.

“I think I can play games and I think the Premier League is higher than the Dutch league, so you can learn more physically and technically, and develop.

“That’s why I am here.”

Van Ginkel has left Vitesse after 93 Eredivisie appearances for the club, including 33 games last season when the Arnhem-based side finished fourth; their best league finish since the 1999/2000 campaign.