Anelka happy to play supporting role

20 August 2010 08:22
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka intends to provide more ammunition for Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou after accepting a more supporting role.[LNB] Anelka began his mission in style against West Brom on the opening day of the season by providing assists for Frank Lampard and Florent Malouda in their 6-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]Two seasons ago Anelka was the top marksman in the Barclays Premier League but he scored just 15 last season as the Blues achieved a league and FA Cup double.[LNB]But when it came to assists, Anelka enjoyed the best season of his career - proof that he had changed his game from an orthodox striker.[LNB]It is a move away from the direct striker who played for Arsenal, Liverpool and Bolton in the top flight.[LNB]"At Liverpool I was only there for six months so it is difficult to judge," said Anelka.[LNB]"At Bolton I was playing up front alone and that is a different role to play in football.[LNB]"Now I like the way I am playing but I have always liked to create goals and give assists because I like to win. When you want to win, even if you don't score you want to make someone score and this is what I did last weekend.[LNB]"I will try to do more assists but as I say, the most important is to win games and I am sure even if I don't score, even if I don't give assists then someone else will do it."[LNB]But Anelka's move into a more supporting role in the side has also come about because of his age. At 31, the former France international realises he needed to re-assess his game.[LNB]"Players need to change how they play in their thirties and even more so in England because it is so physical and quick with a lot of contact," added Anelka ahead of this weekend's clash with Wigan. "You are not like you were when you were younger so you need to adapt your game - and this is exactly what I want to do.[LNB]"I have played up front, I have played on the left, I have played on the right and I have played behind the striker as well and so I like it, I like the way I am playing now.[LNB]"I even prefer to play on the right or on the left or behind the striker. I used to be a striker but not anymore. I want to change, I want to develop the new position I have played since I have been at Chelsea.[LNB]"This is why I want to play as long as I can because I have played 10 years up front, now I feel like I want to change something and with this new position I have a lot to do as well. That is why I want to play more and more and more games."

Source: Team_Talk