Leganes Coach Explains Why Awaziem Played 'Unusual Position' Vs Real Madrid; Eagles Star Originally An AM

Published: October 31, 2019

Chidozie Awaziem was deployed as a holding midfielder as CD Leganes were thrashed 5-0 by Real Madrid in La Liga on Wednesday evening.

Caretaker coach of Los Pepineros, Luis Cembranos has argued that the Nigeria international is not new to the position as he played as a holding midfielder during his time with Porto.

Predominantly a central defender, Awaziem has been used as a left back, right back and right midfielder for club and country.

Speaking to reporters after yesterday's game at Santiago Bernabéu, Cembranos was asked why Awaziem and Bustinza played in 'unusual positions' and he explained : ''Awaziem has played there in Porto and Bustinza too. I have chosen the best.

''Now after seeing the result I could think of many things. I want to think about Eibar and recover. It is the next match.''

Allnigeriasoccer.com contacted Jos-based journalist Ferdinand Mbum, who followed the career of Awaziem closely at Junior Elkanemi before he moved to Porto, and he revealed that the Super Eagles star was originally an attacking midfielder.

''Awaziem was an attacking midfielder at Junior Elkanemi.

''He was converted to a central defender by Porto because some of their players got injured. Back then, he was more of an attacking midfielder than defensive,'' said Mbum.

Awaziem has made seven appearances in the Spanish top-flight this term, logging 514 minutes.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : CD Leganes