Middlesbrough's head coach Kim Hellberg has expressed his belief that Adilson Malanda is most effective when playing as a centre-back. The 24-year-old defender, who has shown versatility by occasionally stepping into a defensive midfield role, notably played in that position during the team's recent 1-1 draw against Burnley.
As Middlesbrough prepares for their upcoming match against Queens Park Rangers (QPR) on Saturday, Hellberg reiterated his preference for Malanda in the central defensive role. He stated, "Malanda is the centre-back and that’s where I see him," highlighting the player's primary strengths.
In an interview with BBC Radio Tees, Hellberg praised Malanda's performance, particularly noting that some of the team's best outings have occurred when he has taken on a more advanced role as a defensive midfielder. "I think his first half [at Burnley] was absolutely brilliant," he remarked, indicating that Malanda's adaptability has been beneficial for the squad.
Malanda, who joined Middlesbrough from Major League Soccer's Charlotte FC in August 2025, has quickly established himself as a key player for the team. Hellberg described him as a "unique player," acknowledging his ability to contribute in various positions on the pitch. "In general, I think his best position is centre-back, but sometimes you have to put what’s best for the team, and he’s very versatile and can do a lot of things," Hellberg noted.
Furthermore, Hellberg lauded Malanda's commitment to the team, stating, "He’s an unbelievable footballer that should get a lot of praise from everyone for what he’s doing and how he puts his team first." He even joked that if asked, Malanda would be willing to play as a goalkeeper if necessary, underscoring the player's dedication and team-first mentality.
In addition to discussing Malanda, Hellberg provided updates on the squad ahead of the match against QPR. He confirmed that midfielder Myles Peart-Harris would be fit to travel after missing the Burnley game due to a calf issue. However, winger Jeremy Sarmiento will not be available as he continues to recover from injury.
As Middlesbrough embarks on a challenging stretch of three away games within six days, the team's performance against QPR will be crucial. With Hellberg's confidence in Malanda's abilities, fans will be watching closely to see how the versatile defender contributes to the team's efforts on the road.
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