Steve McClaren And Florian Thauvin Disagree On New Signing's Best Position

By Ross Tweddell / August 20, 2015

Florian Thauvin and Steve McClaren have very different ideas as to what Newcastle United's new £12 million signing's best position is. While McClaren has described his new number 20 as a 'genuine winger', Thauvin told NUFCTV that he prefers to play in the centre. Although he did add that he will do whatever is needed of him. During the interview with NUFC's digital editor Dan King, Florian said: "I can play anywhere really on the attacking line. I think my favoured position is more central but I can also play on the wing. The most important thing for me is to do what the team needs me to do and what the coach asks me to do." And it looks like head coach McClaren - who will have had very little to do with the deal considering United have been tracking the player for at least two years - will be playing him out wide. "He is a perfect signing for this Club," said McClaren. "He is someone who is young, with great potential and is one of the best young players in Europe. He plays in a position which we have been looking for - we have been trying to get a genuine winger in. "He is an exciting, creative talent who can score goals and make assists, and we believe he will have a very bright future at Newcastle."

This potentially, although it is very early days yet, could be problematic for a player who isn't afraid to throw the toys out of the pram if things aren't going his way. While he was at Lille, Thauvin was docked wages after failing to turn up for training as he tried to leverage a move to Marseille. However, the 22-year-old was quick to deny rumours that he is one of the 'bad boys' of football, he said: "As far as being a person is concerned I'm a very humble and simple person, but as any person sometimes I do get a little bit angry at times. But I'm definitely not a bad boy." We'll have to keep an eye on this one and see how the player reacts if he is selected out wide at Manchester United on Saturday. There is a good chance Thauvin will play and he's certainly relishing the challenge. "I'm really delighted to be able to start against such a big team and such a great reputation as Manchester United. I can't wait to get out there and I'm really looking forward to it." NUFCTV is available here and costs £3.99 a month. CLICK HERE to read €œ10 Things Newcastle Fans Need To Know About Florian Thauvin€.For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCulture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.