Eidur Gudjohnsen believes he is now coming to terms with playing in midfield.
Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen believes he is now coming to terms with playing in midfield having been converted by Jose Mourinho.The classy Iceland international was brought to Stamford Bridge from Bolton as a striker but since Mourinho's appointment, when coupled with the arrivals of Didier Drogba and Hernan Crespo, has been used primarily in midfield.
Gudjohnsen has proven both in Premiership and European action that he has all the attributes to become an accomplished performer in the middle of the field, most recently completing a midfield trio also consisting of Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele.
With Chelsea at the summit of the top flight and going well in the UEFA Champions League, Gudjohnsen remains a model of contentment in West London as he looks forward to the rest of the campaign.
''I've always enjoyed being here,'' he told Sky Sports News.
''I love playing for Chelsea and it's gone well over this period so why change? I think both parties are quite happy so it's a lovely marriage.
''Obviously the biggest change since Roman (Abramovich) arrived is Jose Mourinho coming in and all the success lately.
''It's hard but very enjoyable. Every game I play in midfield I'm learning more and more and I think it's becoming more natural positionally.
''My work rate has gone up and that is what is expected of you when you play in midfield.''
Since Mourinho's appointment there has been a flood of new arrivals to the club, leaving Gudjohnsen as an elder statesman in Chelsea's dressing room - a role he is more than content to take on.
''The manager has put more and more responsibility in my hands,'' continued Gudjohnsen.
''As a player who has been here a long time I know the ins-and-outs of the team and club and with that comes responsibility.
''When that group changes quite frequently new players come in and I'm one of the players who tries to create a good atmosphere in the dressing room and keep everything positive.''
Whilst Abramovich's chequebook remains open there is always the threat that new arrivals could push familiar faces out of the reckoning, but Gudjohnsen remains confident he has the ability to remain a fixture in Mourinho's thoughts.
''I struggled a bit at first because I contributed so much last year I felt I should be playing more,'' he concluded.
''But I just want to be part of a successful team and I'm sure if I show my character then I'll end up in the first team.
''Through the years there has been a lot of competition and a lot of players have arrived in my position. But I think I've always come out on top and that's why I'm probably still here.''
