There are few positions Vurnan Anita has not played in the black-and-white and that versatility has earned him the support of his manager.
Newcastle United’s Vurnon Anita insists he has no problems playing in an unfamiliar right-back role under Rafa Benitez, according to The Chronicle.
While the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Dwight Gayle have dominated the headlines this season, the Dutchman has quietly become one of Newcastle’s most consistent performers as they recovered from a slow start to storm to the top of the Championship table.
Anita made his name as a left-back with Ajax in Holland (below) before being deployed largely in a defensive midfield role during his time on Tyneside but says he is ‘open-minded’ towards playing in a new position.
“At this moment I am enjoying this position and trying to learn everything about it in training,” the three-time Netherlands international told The Chronicle.
“I want to be a better player in this position too. I know what to do and what not to do. Now I am playing regularly there I am learning extra things.
“I will look to adapt that in every game.”
Anita is currently keeping orthodox full-backs DeAndre Yedlin (below) and Jesus Gamez out of the side, and believes the competition within the squad thanks to Benitez’s astute additions has pushed him to raise his game this season.
“There is a big squad and it’s competitive. But that can only be good for the team, you can rest players and change them.”
The Spanish coach also reserved praise for the 27-year-old while looking ahead to the weekend’s game against Ipswich, praising his intelligence and ability to switch between positions, according to the club’s official Twitter account.
Anita told the Chronicle earlier in the week that he was keen to extent his stay at St. James’ with his contract due to run out at the end of the season and Benitez (below), who values players who add versatility and balance, will surely share that opinion.
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