Max Alleyne opens up on his new midfield role

Max Alleyne admits he was left surprised by Nicky Hayen’s decision to deploy him in midfield for Burnley.

The centre-back has predominately been utilised in a number six role this season since joining the Clarets on loan from Manchester City.

With Josh Cullen still not back and summer signing Ugo Raghouber in and out of the team, Hayen has seen the 21-year-old as the best man to anchor Burnley’s midfield.

While Alleyne is enjoying the new role, he admits it’s been a whole new experience for him.

“When the gaffer told me I'd be doing it, I was surprised,” he told Burnley’s official YouTube channel.

“I'm still getting used to it, but I feel like I'm improving every week and just trying to work as hard as I can at it.

“I'm enjoying it. It's a new experience and it's never going to harm anyone or a career and I'm working so hard to do it to my best ability.”

Alleyne was speaking after another disappointing night for the Clarets at Turf Moor, where they went down to a 2-1 defeat to Wolves on Friday.

The result meant an entire year has now passed since Burnley won a home league game.

In isolation, it certainly wasn’t the worst Burnley have played on home turf during that run, but they were made to rue two of the most basic defensive mistakes.

“We were disappointed,” Alleyne added. “All the players, all the staff were disappointed.

“We've worked so hard for that game and especially these last three games we've worked so hard, so it's just a big, big disappointment.

“I mean, we started really well. But that’s probably been a bit of a common theme over the last few games, I think.

“We just weren't able to maintain that level for whatever reason.”