Rory McIlroy has expressed strong enthusiasm for Europe's prospects at the forthcoming Ryder Cup, praising the squad assembled by captain Luke Donald for the contest at Bethpage Black from 26-28 September.
The Northern Irishman highlighted the remarkable stability within the European ranks, with Rasmus Hojgaard being the sole newcomer to the side that triumphed in Rome two years prior, having replaced his twin brother Nicolai through the qualification rankings.
The 36-year-old world number two emphasised the enhanced credentials of the European contingent.
"You could make an argument that all 12 guys are more accomplished than they were two years ago, so I'm excited," McIlroy told BBC Sport NI.
Rory McIlroy has insisted Team Europe is even better than two years ago
|REUTERS
He particularly valued the squad's consistency, describing it as "an underestimated quality" in Ryder Cup competition.
McIlroy acknowledged the formidable challenge facing Europe in their quest to secure an away victory, noting that home sides have claimed every Ryder Cup over the past decade.
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"We know it's going to be very difficult, there's a reason every Ryder Cup for the past 10 years has been won by the home team, but we have a great opportunity," he stated.
The Masters champion, preparing for his eighth Ryder Cup appearance, anticipates a hostile reception from what he expects will be a "raucous" American crowd.
Europe's most recent away triumph came at Medinah in 2013, when McIlroy was part of the victorious side that staged a dramatic comeback on the final day.
McIlroy is currently competing at the Irish Open at the K Club, viewing it as crucial preparation alongside next week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth before heading to New York.
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Rory McIlroy has been in decent form ahead of the Ryder Cup
| REUTERSHe believes testing himself under competitive pressure is essential for assessing his readiness.
"These are two big leaps to make sure the game is sharp and I think the only way to tell if you are as sharp as you want to be is getting yourself in contention, under pressure, at the sort of business end of things on a Sunday," McIlroy explained.
Whilst he would welcome another victory this season, McIlroy insisted that winning before the Ryder Cup isn't "absolutely necessary" for his preparation.
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| GETTYMcIlroy revealed he has been studying tennis champion Novak Djokovic's methods for managing antagonistic crowds, particularly after watching the Serbian defeat Taylor Fritz at the US Open before a heavily pro-American audience.
"He's been the best at handling that. He's had to deal with it his whole life, whether it's playing against an American in New York or playing against Roger [Federer] or Rafa [Nadal]," McIlroy said.
The Northern Irishman disclosed that Djokovic had previously addressed the European team in Rome about managing crowd hostility.
Novak Djokovic was in fine form as he dispatched Taylor Fritz to reach the US Open semi-finals | REUTERSMcIlroy suggested his teammates could benefit from adopting the 24-time Grand Slam winner's approach to "channelling that energy the right way" when facing the partisan support at Bethpage Black.