Serge Aurier says he is ready to fight England World Cup star Kieran Trippier for the right back shirt at Tottenham.
The Ivory Coast defender was expected to make the position his own following a £23m move from Paris Saint-Germain last year.
However, he found tough opposition in Trippier who made 21 Premier League starts compared to his own 16 before going on to have a hugely impressive summer for the Three Lions in Russia.
The Englishman, newly-dubbed the Bury Beckham, will be looking to continue the trend when he returns from his extended break following his World Cup exploits as a key member of Gareth Southgate's semi-finalists.
However, Aurier is determined to ensure manager Mauricio Pochettino has a headache going into the new campaign - starting by making the most of his rival's absence during the club's pre-season tour of the US.
'Now is my time,' the 25-year-old said. 'I have to take my chance. If I play good, the gaffer has a choice. That is football. You push. You don't stop...for now Trippier is on holiday and this is my moment to take my chance.'
Aurier, signed as a replacement for Kyle Walker, endured a difficult start to his time at Spurs, picking up a needless red card at West Ham United and receiving criticism for some of his performances.
He intends to put that right over the coming campaign. 'It was my first season but I am calm,' he said. 'I came, I finished third. It was OK. But this season is the not the same. I have a good ambition for the future.'
While Aurier will attempt to keep Trippier out of the first eleven, he did get in touch with his rival to wish him well while he was in Russia.
'I am happy for Tripps,' he said. 'I sent him a message for the semi-final and for the World Cup. I said congratulations for your World Cup. It's good competition for me. Not bad. Now I am ready.'
During his indifferent form, Pochettino defended Aurier, saying he needed time to adapt to the English game.
The player believes he is now at home in his new surroundings.
'I like the intensity,' he said. 'I like the fans. The English people like football. For me that's very important. It's not the same in France. Here you play, I don't know, against Leicester or Burnley and the stadium is full. For me that's very important. I like that.
'For me the difference is very, very big. The French people like football but they don't have the time to go to the stadium. English people are not the same. I know the Premier League, I know the players, all the people who work in the team. Now I am ready.'
Aside from personal goals, Aurier believes Spurs can win this season's Premier League.
'The players are good, the mentality is good,' he said. 'I want to win the league. Why not? Every day work, work, work. And afterwards we'll see.'