Norwich City goalkeeper Daniel Barden has signed a new contract with the Canaries, keeping him at the club until 2024 with the option of a year’s extension.
Barden, 20, has made four appearances for the first-team this season and picked up the man of the match award in City’s FA Cup game against Coventry City where he made seven saves to help the team to a 2-0 victory.
The Wales Under-21 international says he's really happy to sign the new deal and that the pathway available for young players at the club is what is inspiring him to keep pushing forward.
“It has been a really good year for me, personally and the club as well, and I am really excited and really happy to sign a new deal,” he said. “It was drilled into me as soon as I came here that there are opportunities for young players here and I have worked my way up.
“I went on loan last year to non-league and I think you have always got to think about the bigger picture and what you are working towards and the club have dealt with me really brilliantly. They have given me all the opportunities that they can, and I think they have given opportunities to a load of young players.
“He (head coach, Daniel Farke) has got trust in the young players and they pay that back on the pitch. When you look at Max (Aarons) and Todd (Cantwell), they have taken their opportunities brilliantly and they are all pushing on. It is really inspiring, and it pushes me on as well to know that there is always a pathway for young players if you are willing to take it.”
Speaking about his debut this season, which came against Luton Town in the opening round of the Carabao Cup back in August, Barden added: “If I am honest, I was quite nervous going into it, but I had enough support from players and staff around me, who made me feel confident going into the games. I just feel really privileged to be involved this year and I am really happy.”
Barden has received lots of help from the experienced keepers at the club this season as well, with Tim Krul, Michael McGovern and Orjan Nyland having all played at the top level both domestically and for their countries.
“I think they are all great characters and all really positive,” added Barden. “It is a different level of experience, because me and Archie (Mair) are both still quite young. It has been great to speak to them every day on the pitch and in training. I think all the advice you get is brilliant. It is not always the big things, it can be little things as well, but doing those things in training can be really beneficial.”