Nemanja Matic Quotes

I prefer defensive midfielder because I know my job when I play there. More things are in front of you.

I prefer to play in midfield, whether that is attacking midfield or defensive midfield.

When I play in central midfield, that's my favourite position.

I'm not really a defensive midfielder.

I like playing just outside of my own penalty box, the player who receives the ball and organises the game.

I like playing deeper, but I'm not Casemiro.

In my country, they used to call players who play in my position a defensive midfielder, but it is not defensive.

I think that by playing centre midfield in the middle of the park, I'm doing something which comes naturally to me.

You cannot play the position Kroos plays in defensive midfield besides Luka Modric better than he does.

I know when I step into midfield I have to sharpen my feet up and be more aware of what's around me, at centre back it's more about timing, positioning and communication.

Growing up I've been playing as an attacking midfielder, more central in the midfield. I wouldn't say if I'm most comfortable there but that's where I grew up playing.

Normally, I play in midfield where I'm challenging the players and trying to take the ball.

I am a midfielder who is mainly involved in the defensive phases, even if I also like to help build moves - I would say that my foremost quality is my generosity.

I just say I'd like to be an attacking midfielder.

When I go into games as a forward, my job is really clear, and I just have to execute. But as a midfielder, you get to sort of enjoy the game more, and you get to feel the game and dictate the play.

Everyone knows where I play, as a defensive midfielder, more or less the same, so in the last six or seven years I play in that position and there is nothing new for me.

I do like to play and pass the ball. But first and foremost I see myself as a defender: blocking, tackling, heading.

I am a defender, but I can play the ball. I have a good technique.

I want to play football, and I want to help the team. It doesn't matter if I play midfield, if I play in defence, if I play as a striker.

I much prefer playing in the centre of the park; that's where I feel comfortable.

I like to play wide, but as a youth, I played more in the middle as a 10.

My favourite position is as midfielder, playing with Xabi and Khedira.

I'm not a striker, I'm not a goalscorer - I'm a midfielder.

I think, as a midfielder, you need to have that aggression as part of your game.

I try to have a picture when I receive the ball and know where everyone is. That's one of the most important things for a midfielder.