Yanic Wildschut has had to re-invent himself to force his way into Daniel Farke’s plans.
The Dutch midfielder is enjoying a leading role in Norwich City’s Championship upturn after failing to establish himself under former boss Alex Neil at Carrow Road following a much-heralded transfer from Wigan.
Wildschut, speaking on Friday ahead of Derby’s Championship visit this weekend, revealed he has responded to Farke’s coaching methods.
“I was always used to playing as a left winger in a 4-3-3 and then the first two games he asked me to play right back, which was a big change,” he said. “Then we changed again to a 3-5-2 and I was playing a wing-back, which was a bit more what I am used to but with more defensive work. It is a tactical thing. If the other flank comes under pressure you have to tuck it and shift together. I had to get my fitness up as well to do that much running.
“We had to get used to a lot of different systems. During the game, he might shout ‘formation two’ and we have to change or ‘formation three’ and we have to adapt again. Everyone has to know straight away what is expected and he has drilled that into us now.
“It suits me and I am really enjoying it. I think I have a better balance to my game now. I used to just go and attack before.”
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