http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-...emanja-matic-to-discuss-chelseas-superb-start
Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic was at the launch of computer game 'The Crew' and spoke to Soccer AM about Chelsea, becoming a holding midfielder and how Branislav Ivanovic is Serbia's version of David Beckham.
When Nemanja Matic moved to Benfica from Chelsea in 2011, having played just twice for the Blues, his hopes of becoming an established Premier League player appeared over.
But Jose Mourinho’s reappointment as manager also resulted in a return to Stamford Bridge for Matic, who rejoined in a £21m deal last January. And Mourinho’s decision to give the Serb a second chance was an inspired one.
Matic is now a mainstay in the Chelsea starting line-up and has made 21 appearances already this season. His superb work-rate and positioning provides the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar with an attacking platform, and if Chelsea continue their march towards the Premier League title, Matic will have been a key component.
"When I first came to Chelsea, I was very young and there were big players in my position, so it was difficult for me to play," said Matic.
"Now I’m 26 and it is different. I have more experience and have improved a lot. I came here to show that I can play in the Premier League and for Chelsea. I’m happy at the moment.
Matic was considered an attacking midfielder when he moved to Portugal, but Benfica manager Jorge Jesus had other ideas.
"On my first day at Benfica, when I came into the dressing room, the coach asked to speak with me," said Matic.
"He said he thought I was a No 6, which in Portugal is the holding midfielder, that I will play that position and step by step I can become a great player. I asked him if he was sure! It wasn’t easy for me during the first few months but now I feel it’s the right position."
Matic was recently named Serbian player of the year but he says Branislav Ivanovic remains the biggest name in Serbian football.
"He has been playing for Chelsea for almost eight years and is very famous in Serbia," said Matic. "Apart from Nemanja Vidic, not many Serbian players have achieved that. Ivanovic is the David Beckham of Serbia."
Ivanovic and Matic have played pivotal parts in Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season, and the latter is hopeful they can maintain their run of form.
"We know it’s going to be difficult to not lose any games but everything is possible," he said. "We are in a good moment right now and will try to continue our unbeaten run."
Gonna have to offer more than money and Marko Marin though