Source: Team_Talk
Taouil relishing central Killie role
Mehdi Taouil hopes to play a central role in Mixu Paatelainen's new-look Kilmarnock side after returning from injury in midweek.[LNB] The Moroccan came off the bench for the last 20 minutes of Killie's 6-2 Co-operative Insurance Cup triumph over Airdrie, his first appearance since summer hernia surgery.[LNB]The result was a major boost to Paatelainen ahead of Saturday's trip to Aberdeen after narrow defeats in the Scottish Premier League by Rangers and Motherwell.[LNB]Taouil played just off the front players and the creative midfielder wants more chances in that central zone after spending much of his Killie career on the wing.[LNB]"I played behind the two strikers in the number 10 position," Taouil said.[LNB]"It is a position I love to play in. I much, much prefer playing in a central position.[LNB]"For the team I used to play in wider areas, it was for the team so I was doing it but I really love to play in a central position.[LNB]"He (Paatelainen) said that is one of the positions he is using me in this season and I am happy with that.[LNB]"I watched the first two games and I'm happy to see the team is really trying to pass the ball.[LNB]"We did not win the games but you saw on Wednesday that we can score a lot of goals.[LNB]"For me that is the way to play football. Everybody is enjoying working with Mixu.[LNB]"I think it's the best way to create chances, to keep the ball on the deck like the manager says. I'm sure it will work."[LNB]Paatelainen believes Taouil will be a key component in his quest to improve Kilmarnock's style of play.[LNB]"Mehdi is fantastic in possession, he is a good passer, his technical ability is really good," the Finn said.[LNB]"He has got bags of tricks, he can go past a player, he can unlock defences with his passes.[LNB]"On Wednesday night he showed great footwork in the corner and then produced a great delivery for Conor Sammon's hat-trick. I'm delighted to see him back on the pitch."
