Diks: Playing centre-back suits me well

F.C. Copenhagen defender Kevin Diks says he's getting accustomed to playing centre-back instead of his familiar position of full-back, and is even begining to enjoy the role.

Diks occasionally played in the centre of the defence at previous club Feyenoord and isn't phased about it in Parken.

“The position is still new to me, but I'm starting to get used to it because I've played the position in more than 10 games this season. I think it suits me well and I'm happy to play it," says Diks.

"I didn't play centre-back at AGF but I did at Feyenoord. It wasn't much, but I've tried it before in my career. I can therefore be used either as a full-back or a centre-back, depending on what is needed.

"Right now it's the best position for me. I have played the position a lot in recent games. Although it is new to me, I will always be available for what the coach needs. But right now I'm playing centre-back, and I'm happy about that."

A different central defender
The Dutchman thinks that the new challenge suits him but concedes he also sees himself as a different central defender compared to the more classic type.

"In modern football, most centre-backs are big and strong, but not always the fastest. I think I am an all-round player who can play defensively, offensively, jump high, play with my feet and run fast. So in that way I'm a little different compared to others, but it suits me well. I try to show the qualities I have," he adds.

“I can use my speed to prevent opponents from running past me. I can set up the game with the ball because I have good technique, and therefore I can also have the ball at my feet more."

Always looking to improve
The centre-back thinks it is a big change moving from playing full-back to centre-back. However, he's enjoying the challenge and sees it as a means of improving his overall game.

"I thought it was a big change and at times it's been a bit difficult. I still have a lot to learn, so I analyse myself after matches so that I can develop even more. I try to focus on getting better every day, but it's also a challenge because we have a lot of games," says Diks.

"It's a challenge to position yourself differently from what I am used to when I played full-back. The defensive aspect as a centre-back is a bit different compared out on the flank. But I try to learn and adopt everything into my game as quick as I can."

Recognition from the coaching staff
Diks is also happy about the recognition he's getting from the FCK coaching staff.

"It's a nice feeling when your coach says you're doing a good job," he adds. "My own opinion is that I am in a very good place, but I have to be humble about it because I have also experienced times when it hasn't gone so well.

"My goal is to continue as I have done so far. I have to be the player that (Jacob) Neestrup wants me to be."