Laurent Ciman is looking to take his game to the next level in 2016.

The Belgian defender took out the 2015 MLS Defender of the Year in his debut season with Montreal Impact after spending the past decade in his native top flight.

30-year-old former Standard Liege star Ciman was humbled to land the prize but is not about to rest on his laurels after helping the Impact reach the play-offs where they were bundled out by Columbus Crew in the Conference semi-finals.

"I may have won this trophy this season, but I want even more next year," Ciman said.

"Collectively and individually, we'll try to reach an even higher level compared to this year."

Additionally, Ciman insists he is happy in Montreal after initially having doubts due to the health of his daughter Nina who is affected by autism.

"I have a contract," he added.

"In football, you never know, but it's all behind me. I want to look ahead. I want to be calm. So does my wife. We want to move forward serenely. We have to move on from that.

"Some Belgian media also heightened that, altering what we'd said. You know very well how easy it is to write a headline and ride on that. My relationship with the Impact is very good. Hopefully, it'll be as good in the future."