With his club starting to reassert itself as a solid force in the English Premier League, West Ham defensive jack-of-all-trades Jonathan Spector is remaining pensive about his position.

The Illinois native is relishing the competition for places at his club, with the likes of Australia international Lucas Neill, former England central defender Matthew Upson and Spurs defector Calum Davenport to contend with.

"West Ham has a number of defenders that each offer something different," Spector told American Soccer Daily.  "I believe we currently have nine defenders, which will lead to fierce competition for places."

"The competition will be good both for me personally as well as for the team, (but) my ambition has always been to earn and maintain a starting position, and that hasn't changed."

The former Manchester United left back found himself covering voids of every size and shape for the English perennial powerhouse, having been scouted as a striker, moved out to midfield in the team's renowned youth setup, and eventually slotted in at every role along the backline.

Since jumping from the Red Devils to London's Hammers, the young American has seen his position become slightly more defined as a right back.

Nevertheless, old habits die hard, and the young American continues to find playing time as a caulking for any roster holes, all across the pitch. For the player himself, there remains a desire to develop into a mainstay in the heart of defense.

"I've been asked a number of times what my best position is or where I want to eventually play," he offered. "I feel more than comfortable in any position along the back line.  I think most people view me as a right back, at least for now, but I would eventually like to play as a central defender."

He'll have to be content with hoping that his management reflects the same insight and plan, starting with US National Team head coach Bob Bradley. Having notched yet another call-up to Bradley's 'Nats for the clash against Brazil on Sunday, Spector is quickly racking up top flight experience.

"Let me say that it is always an honor to be able to represent my country," the defender remarked, reminiscing about the 2007 Gold Cup final win over Mexico. "It was a great feeling to be able to win a major competition against our biggest rivals on American soil and in my hometown."

For the match against Brazil, Spector and his US teammates get a chance to relive success against a powerhouse in the comfort of the defender's hometown. In five-time World Cup winners Brazil, the US face an ominous task, the Samba Kings famous for an eye-catching and technically imposing rhythmic style.

"Playing for the national team exposes you to various styles of play, especially in a tournament format, where you must be able to quickly adjust to each style in order to be successful," noted Spector. "I think each game I compete in whether for my club team or the national team gives me invaluable experience."

When the young defender returns from the stateside international break, he faces a home battle with former England stopper Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough.