Marouane Fellaini Quotes

Defensive midfielder is my position and I have to be focused on that role.

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

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.

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

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

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

I like to play with my back to the goal, but my colleagues have to tell me when I'm alone or how much room I have so I can choose to pass or to go straight for the goal.

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

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

I'm not really a defensive midfielder.

I think as a central defender you grow as a player.

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.

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.

I have to play with discipline in midfield.

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

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

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.

I need to keep improving tactically, defensively and offensively for the last pass, the last shot.

It's not just about showing people what you can do on the ball in those wider positions, it's about gaining the full understanding of each position and what it takes to get that spot.

As a player, you are more concerned with the moments when you have possession of the ball or are about to receive the ball. You are watching your team-mates and trying to decide what the possibilities are.

I like it when I am in the middle; I am closer to the ball. The manager wants me to pass, to make assists, create chances, and I do more because I think the position is more central, and I don't ask all the time for the ball at my feet.

I am a central midfielder, and that's where I like to be.