Mazraoui: "I Am Comfortable Playing as a Defender, Full-Back, or Winger, and I Like This Feeling"

Noussair Mazraoui, the Manchester United player, confirmed there are clear differences between playing as a central defender and appearing in the right-wing position.

He said in statements to the club's official website: “When I used to play as a right-back, I liked to participate in both attack and defense, and engage in duels with opponents.”

He added: “I like this feeling, and I am comfortable in both positions without a specific preference. Each position demands different things, whether offensive or defensive.”

He continued: “The central defender position primarily relies on defense, controlling the tempo of the game, stopping opponent transitions, and building attacks from the back. This is the essence of the work in this position.”

He went on to highlight the difference between the roles: “As a right-winger, it's completely different because it requires a lot of offensive and defensive runs.”

He concluded: “You have to defend, but also be decisive in the final third: making a pass or creating a dangerous ball. This role is very far from the nature of a central defender.”