Nicky Hayen discusses Max Alleyne’s influence at number six

Nicky Hayen was “delighted” with the impact of Burnley’s Max Alleyne playing in midfield at Wrexham.

Naturally a centre-back, the Manchester City loanee played out of position in a deep-lying midfield role during Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at the Racecourse.

It’s the second time the 21-year-old has played there already this season, having also impressed during the second-half of Burnley’s recent draw against Middlesbrough.

It’s perhaps no coincidence that the Clarets’ best halves of football so far this season, that second half against Boro and the first-half against Wrexham, have both come with Alleyne playing in that number six role.

Hayen’s side were noticeably more balanced, with a clear structure that allowed Burnley to control much more of the ball.

“I think you saw again that our team was quite stable,” Hayen said after the Wrexham game, when asked about Alleyne’s influence.

“We played with Max also against Middlesbrough in this position and again we played a really good second half there.

“It's really important that you have a six who understands that position, who can stay in that position, and doesn't run all the time away and open spaces, and so I was quite delighted with his performance.”

While Burnley’s long wait for a win, now stretching to 210 days, continued in North Wales in midweek, it was perhaps the best performance they’ve delivered so far this season.

“It was [a step in the right direction], I think, especially the first half,” Hayen added.

“I think we played a really good first half, with a really great goal, found the right solutions, a lot of movement, a lot of courage, so I'm really satisfied about the first half.

“But of course it lasts 95 minutes and in the second half it was decent. Not as good anymore as the first half, but we conceded the goal and then it became an open game.

“They could score a second one, we could score a second one, so at the end you could win this game, you could lose this game, so it's a fair point.

“But I think we showed already more positive signs than the last game against Bristol City.”