Rodders!!

By The Nark End
March 6 2010

JACK RODWELL HAS STATED THAT HE IS MORE THAN HAPPY PLAYING IN THE CENTRE OF MIDFIELD...

Everton youngster Jack Rodwell says he is happy with his current position in midfield.

The 18-year-old was heavily involved in the Blues' hectic February schedule, most notably scoring a memorable goal in the 3-1 win over Manchester United at Goodison. 

He also played the full 90-minutes in England Under-21s 2-1 defeat to Greece on Wednesday, in his preferred central midfield role alongside Sunderland's Lee Cattermole and Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba.

Rodwell knows Everton boss David Moyes is the man to help develop his talent - wherever he is required to play on the pitch. Rodwell is also keen to learn how to deal with some of the Premier League's top strikers as his career progresses.

"At the moment, I prefer playing as a box-to-box midfielder," said Rodwell. "That is how I have been operating for Everton and I can see myself doing it for a while yet.

"The role has been more defensive than attacking but I can get forward – just as I can also play centre-half. But I'd say my favoured position was the holding role in midfield. I am happy to carry on there.

"I don't think there's any need for me to drop back into central defence yet,” the youngster continued. “Maybe it will happen in a few years, when I have gained more experience and maturity.

"It's hard to play a lad of my age at centre-half in the Premier League where you come across the likes of Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres. That would be a tough ask for any teenager so I'm more than content where I am."

Southport-born Rodwell – who turns 19 next week – knows that if Everton are to remain strong contenders for a European spot next season, they need to pick up points against the teams around them in the table.

He added: “We are doing well beating teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City, but it is time to start beating teams pushing for Europe like us, such as Aston Villa."