Burnley boss Sean Dyche hails Steven Defour's start to life in the Premier League
Friday 30 September 2016 11:42, UK
Burnley boss Sean Dyche has hailed Steven Defour's impact since joining the Clarets this summer and is relishing the player's part in a new system at Turf Moor.
Defour, who joined the newly-promoted side for £8m from Anderlecht, scored his first goal for the club in the draw against Hull earlier this month but is yet to complete 90 minutes this season.
Dyche believes Defour is still adapting to the rigours of the Premier League, but believes the 28-year-old has thrived with club-record signing Jeff Hendrick and Scott Arfield in midfield.
Speaking ahead of Burnley's match against Arsenal at Turf Moor, live on Sky Sports 1HD, Dyche said: "Steven has done well.
"The biggest thing I talked to him about was the physicality of the Premier League. I don't just mean the tackles, but the pace of the league and the physical demands.
"We've had to protect his body a bit when he's come off but he's adjusting to what we are as a group nicely and he's getting stronger.
"I've always made it clear that I like 4-4-2 because I think the best line of defence is to attack, and if you've got two centre-forwards - productive ones - it's a good way of playing. I don't think 4-4-2 is old fashioned.
"But you've got to be flexible with the group, and I think with Jeff Hendrick and Defour particularly, they've played a lot in a three and have a good understanding of how that works; when to press, when to sit in, when to get forward. We have to make sure we are competitive at least."
Arsene Wenger will celebrate his 20th anniversary as Arsenal boss this weekend, and Dyche expressed his admiration for the Frenchman.
He said: "Arsene is one of the top managers, certainly through the Premier League years, his team, their style and manner.
"As a manager, it's a strange one why he's questioned at times. There is a balance to that and fans want actual success, not deemed success by me as style of play, but trophies.
"It's a big challenge for us but it's one we want, the players want, I want and the fans want.
"As ever, Arsenal get people questioning them but they look pretty good to me. They've got pace and clever movement."
