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There are versatile players, and then there is Noussair Mazraoui. Since his first €15 million move last year, the Moroccan has played in no fewer than six positions.
Under Erik ten Hag, the ex-Ajax top man was mainly deployed as a right back, while he also did some work on the left. Surprisingly, the Dutch manager also played the 28-year-old as an attacking midfielder in one of those matches.
Since Ruben Amorim took over, the former Bayern Munich star has mainly been deployed as a right wing-back and as part of the back three.
He has also played on the left. At the request of the the club’s media team On whether he has any preference regarding a position under the head coach, the Moroccan international said: “I used to always do both.
Versatile star
“So when I was a right back I always liked to attack, but I also liked to defend, catch my opponent one-on-one and just win those duels.
“It’s a nice feeling for me too, so I think: yes, those two positions just suit me and I don’t really have a preference.
| Mazraoui – Played games on position at Manchester United | |
|---|---|
| Position | Games played |
| Central defender (CB) | ~20 |
| Right fullback (R-WB) | ~20 |
| Right back (RB) | ~13 |
| Left Back (LB) | ~4 |
statistics via Transfer market
“Of course they are different positions, so they ask something different of you [terms of] offensively, but also for defense.
“I think, as one of the centre-backs, it’s more about defending, controlling the game, controlling the opponent’s counters. And building up more. So that’s basically what your job is during the game.”
What it takes to play different positions
“I think as a full-back it’s more up and down. So you have more from both sides. A bit more defensive, but you also have to be decisive because you get into the last third of the pitch a lot, the last third of the pitch.”
“And that requires something different from you than being in the center back, because then you have to provide an assist or be decisive or give a great ball, when it comes to an opportunity. So yes, I think those are the differences between those certain positions,” Mazraoui explained.
Wherever Noussair Mazraoui has played, his intelligence shines through and he has proven to be an asset to the first team.
While he was almost available last season, he has already missed five games this season due to an injury. Hopefully he can stay fit and perform like he did last season.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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