Krystian Bielik has ended the debate over his best position after making his Cardiff City debut and insisted he is a centre-back despite being happy to operate in midfield if required.
The Poland international completed his first 90 minutes for the Bluebirds on Saturday as Brian Barry-Murphy's side were held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United, however hobbled off with cramp in injury time.
Bielik only arrived at Cardiff on Wednesday but was thrust straight into the starting XI against the Blades, helping a much-changed defence cope with an experienced Sheffield United attack.
Praise for attacking teammates
While Cardiff were forced to settle for a point, the 28-year-old was hugely encouraged by what he saw from his new team-mates. Bielik was particularly impressed by Cardiff's attacking players and believes Sheffield United struggled to cope with the energy and quality they possessed.
"It's my first game and my honest opinion is we have some scary players up front," Bielik said. He added: "Actually, when you're on the pitch with them, either on the training pitch or in a game today, you can see that whenever they turn with the ball and they drive forward and the chances they create, we create on the sides, Sheffield couldn't cope. They couldn't cope with the energy and the quality that we have up there."
Bielik admitted he had only known some of Cardiff's players from facing them previously or watching highlights before his move to south Wales. But getting to play alongside them for the first time left him convinced that the Bluebirds possess considerable attacking potential.
"For us centre-backs, we have to work hard to make sure that our offensive players have an enjoyable game, they can express themselves in the final third and create chances to, at the end of the game, win the game," he said. "Our job is to protect the back and make sure we concede fewer goals. Unfortunately, today it didn't work fully, but I think for the fans, for the people that watch, every person that knows a little bit about football will agree with me that we were much more dominant today."
Debut despite limited preparation
Bielik's debut was all the more impressive given his lack of preparation. He joined Cardiff in midweek, completed an individual fitness session before training with the squad and was then handed a starting berth three days later.
The defender acknowledged he was a little shaky during the opening stages but felt he grew into the game, particularly after half-time. "I think we had a little bit of a shaky first half, especially the first 20 minutes," he said. "Then, especially in the second half, it felt like there was only one team on the pitch. I think we created chances. We had some great chances to score goals. Another day, we will probably get the full three points."
Bielik was forced to leave the field late on after suffering with cramp, but expects to be ready for Wednesday after completing his first full match in some time.
Position preference and season ambitions
While his versatility could prove valuable to Barry-Murphy, Bielik has made clear where he feels most comfortable. The Cardiff manager asked him to primarily operate at centre-back, although they are aware of his previous experience as a No.6. Bielik is happy to fill that role if required, but says centre-back is his preference.
"I haven't played as a central midfielder for a while now," he said. "The last three years, I played mainly centre-back. Just when there were injuries at West Brom or Birmingham and I had to play as a six, I've done OK. But mainly centre-back, I'd say. If I'm really needed and the manager sees the opportunity for me to go and be in front of the centre-backs, the CDM, I don't mind it. I will do my best. Whatever position, put me on the right wing, I will do my best to play well and do well for the team. Centre-back, centre-mid - my preference at the moment, I prefer centre-back for sure."
Bielik explained that consistency is important when it comes to feeling comfortable in a position, although he accepts he could grow into the midfield role if asked to play there regularly. "When you ask players, they feel most confident in the position where they play consistently," he said. "And if I start playing now as a six for a few games, I would feel better and better. But it's not that easy to move from centre-back to six and feel great, because it takes a little bit of time."
The former West Bromwich Albion man is also not short of ambition about what Cardiff can achieve this season. The Bluebirds returned to the Championship after a year in League One and have drawn each of their opening three matches, but Bielik believes a top-half finish should be the minimum target. And he sees no reason why Cardiff cannot go further and challenge for promotion.
"First half of the table for sure," Bielik said when asked about his expectations. "We have two more spots for the play-offs and I honestly believe that we are more than capable to get there, 100 per cent. But again, I think coming from League One, there is a young team with a great manager who the players love and they will jump into the fire for him. We play very good football and, honestly, if we can get a bit more clinical in the final third and we can be a bit more stable at the back, we can beat any team in this division."
That belief was strengthened by what Bielik witnessed on his Cardiff debut. The next challenge is getting that elusive first win of the season.
