Leonardo Bacuna has divided opinion amongst the Villa faithful since arriving from Holland but he feels he can prove his worth in midfield.
Aston Villa utility man Leandro Bacuna has told the Express and Star that he hopes to retain his midfield berth under Steve Bruce after impressing in the position against Reading.
The 25-year-old made 10 Championship appearances in his usual position of right-back under Roberto Di Matteo but flourished in a central role against at the Madejski in midweek as Villa secured their first away win in 14 months.
And Bacuna, who played largely in a midfield role for FC Gronignen in the Eredivisie prior to his switch to the Midlands in 2013, has admitted that he feels more comfortable given freedom to push forward in an attacking role.
“I’ve spoken to the manager and said at the moment you can see Micah [Richards] (below) played right-back and [Alan] Hutton too,” the Curacao international told the Express and Star.
“I’ll try and play in the midfield as much as I can – I just try to help the team out and I think that is more my position. I can go up and down and use my energy. That’s good for me.”
While Bacuna may not be the most technical of players, his aggressive bursts and dangerous deliveries into the box means he is much more useful when utilised as an attacking threat rather than a makeshift defender.
Villa have not won consecutive games since May 2015 so Bruce (below) will be hopeful that Bacuna can maintain his impressive upturn in form as a Fulham side with just one win in nine rock up at Villa Park this weekend.
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