At 24, Nicholas Vella is still some years away from his prime but his performances this season have gone a long way towards rubberstamping his status as the most exciting young goalkeeper in the Premier League.

His imposing presence and growing confidence are also proving hugely beneficial for Tarxien Rainbows as Vella’s polished displays have clearly bolstered the club’s quest to secure top-flight survival.

Further evidence, if any were needed, of Vella’s importance to the Tarxien cause was provided on Saturday when he produced a man-of-the-match showing to help his team gain a vital point in a 1-1 draw against relegation candidates Vittoriosa Stars.

Vella is pleased with Tarxien’s resurgence as Saturday’s stalemate consolidated their position at the top of the Relegation Pool and extended their unbeaten run to six matches.

“The new players who arrived in January have strengthened our squad,” Vella told Times of Malta.

“They helped us a lot. Also, the pressure of being involved in a relegation battle coupled with our determination to avoid the drop prompted us to work harder and step up our game.

“Our chances of staying up look good as we are seven points clear of Vittoriosa (second-from-bottom) with only four games left.

“We haven’t achieved anything yet but we’re on the right track.”

Vella was something of an unknown quantity when he joined Valletta from San Ġwann in 2008.

Still a raw talent at the time, Vella had to live in the shadow of established goalkeeper Andrew Hogg during his spell with the Citizens but still made a few appearances in important games.

The dearth of first-team opportunities at Valletta prompted Vella to move to Tarxien in 2011.

“The transfer was a good step for my career because Tarxien gave me the chance to show my worth,” Vella said.

“In my first two years at the club, I had to fight for my place as the coaches changed the goalkeepers regularly but this season, I feel like I have finally established myself.

“Being the first-choice goalkeeper has helped me improve a lot. I have acquired more experience which is vital in our position. This has enabled me to overcome the doubts that can affect your game when you are not playing week in week out.

“Nowadays, nothing really fazes me. I’m not afraid to take a risk. If it comes off, fine, if it doesn’t and I commit a mistake, I do my best not to repeat it.”

Nowadays, nothing really fazes me. I’m not afraid to take a risk

Despite his lack of first-team football at Valletta, Vella looks back on his spell with the Whites in a positive light.

“It was a good experience,” Vella said.

“Although I didn’t play quite often, I still won two trophies, the National League 100 Anniversary Cup and the Super Cup.

“I tried to make the most of my time with Valletta but I don’t regret moving to Tarxien as that was crucial for my development.”

Vella’s progress in the past two seasons hasn’t gone unnoticed by Malta coach Pietro Ghedin who called the young goalkeeper to join the national squad when the training scheme was still in place.

“Training with the national squad was a tremendous boost,” Vella enthused.

“It strengthened my determination to remain at the top of my game and improve further as I was training with the best local players.

“It also improved my chances of re-presenting my country. Like every other player, my ambition is to play for the national team because that, for me, represents the biggest achievement in Maltese football.”

Like any other upcoming goalkeeper, Vella faces a tall order to move ahead of established duo Justin Haber and Hogg in the national team’s pecking order.

“Time is on my side,” he said.

“Justin (Haber) is eight years older than me and Hogg five. I believe I can do it. I’m aware that I have to reach a certain level to play for the national side but I’m on the right path.

“When I trained with Justin Haber, he helped me a lot. He’s got plenty of experience. I feel I’m not far from reaching that target (national team).”

Rapid progress

It would be unwise to bet against Vella fulfilling his ambition when you realise the rapid progress he has made since taking up goalkeeping by chance at a relatively late age.

“I was an outfield player, a defender, for San Ġwann’s Under-15 team,” Vella recalled.

“The goalkeeper broke his thumb and because I was a little chubby and not playing regularly, I decided to have a go as a goalkeeper.

“I did well in the first three games andsubsequently earned a call-up to the national squad. What I hadn’t achieved in eight years as a player, I did it in just two months as a goalkeeper.

“This obviously made up my mind to continue in goal. I was enjoying it but I had to work a lot harder to reach the level of the others as, having not been trained as a goalkeeper, I lagged behind in terms of technique and positioning.”

With Vella now regarded as one of the most reliable goalkeepers around, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if one of the big guns were to pursue his signature this summer.

Although Vella is keen to advance in his career and add to his medal collection, he is no rush to leave Tarxien.

“My ambition is to be at a club that challenges for the honours,” Vella said.

“But I’m very happy at Tarxien. It’s definitely not my aim to leave for a mid-table club.

“I will only consider a move if I get the opportunity to play for one of the top clubs.

“There is a great atmosphere at Tarxien. It’s like a family and the club boss (Tony Cassar) is a really nice person, certainly one of the best presidents in the Premier League.

“The players made me feel at ease straightaway.”

Will Vella consider a return to Valletta?

“If they still have faith in me, who knows?” he replied.

“I hope that Valletta are thinking that maybe I deserved a chance to prove myself but that’s not for me to judge.”