Jack Rodwell on decision Everton made which could be to blame for his current struggles

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Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell’s career has not gone to plan since he left Everton as a youngster.

Jack Rodwell has told the Daily Mail that agreeing to play in central midfield for Everton may have negatively impacted on his career.

Rodwell broke through as a centre-back, but with Everton needing midfielders he agreed to move forward.

The 26-year-old has since been seen as a midfielder, but he has failed to fulfil his potential in that position.

Rodwell moved from Everton to Manchester City as a youngster, but he barely played for the Sky Blues.

Rodwell then made the switch to Sunderland, but that has been nothing short of a disaster.

The England international midfielder currently cannot get a game at Sunderland, despite the North East side sitting at the bottom of the Championship table.

And Rodwell claims that he often wonders how different his career may have been if he had refused to play in central midfield.

“It was only when I was fast-tracked into the first team, they put me in midfield, it was a bit safer,” Rodwell said. “I do wonder, “What if?” If I’d just said, “I’m a centre back”, where would I be now?

“The game has changed a lot. Centre backs now are ball-playing and a lot of midfielders drop in there. I know the position. I’m big enough, I’m quick enough, I’m good in the air. I’ve got the tools.”

Rodwell’s time at Sunderland now seems to be coming to an end, with the North East club willing to terminate his contract.

Although the midfielder has not accepted that offer, Rodwell could be left to look for a new club soon, as he looks to revive his career.