Ramos getting used to the right side for Spain
KAMEN, Germany, June 9 (Reuters) Spain defender Sergio Ramos says he now feels more comfortable playing at right back after struggling to adapt to the position following a season in the centre of the defence for his club Real Madrid.
''It was difficult at first, but I'm feeling much better now,'' the 20-year-old told a news conference today.
''I'd forgotten some of the aspects of the position but now I'm feeling more comfortable although I'll have to keep refining some aspects so that I'm completely prepared for the matches.'' Ramos became one of the world's most expensive defenders when Real Madrid bought him out of his contract with Sevilla for 27 million euros (34.2 million dollars) at the start of the season.
He used to play on the right side of defence for the Andalucians, but has spent the whole of this season as the anchor man in the centre of the Real Madrid defence.
Returning to right back in recent friendlies has brought its problems for the defender and he has been caught out of position on several occasions, but he has been a more regular presence in attack and has used his aerial power to good effect in the area.
''At fullback you have to know when to defend and when to attack and how to conserve your energy,'' he said.
''At centre-back you have to be a bit more reserved and on your guard in case of any mistakes that might let in the opposition forwards.
''I like playing at right back, though, because it gives me more freedom to get forward and score some goals.'' Ramos will be competing with Real Madrid team mate Michel Salgado for the right back slot in the starting line-up for Spain's opening Group H match against Ukraine in Leipzig on June 14.
Salgado, who has been Real's first choice on the right for the last seven seasons, has recovered from a thigh injury and played the first half of Spain's 2-1 victory over fellow World Cup qualifiers Croatia on Wednesday.
REUTERS PDS KN2132


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