Manchester City star Benjamin Mendy has revealed he formerly played as a striker but advice from his coaches at Le Havre convinced him to move to left-back.
Mendy, 25, joined the Blues in 2017 after a sensational season at Monaco. Previously, he spent six years at Le Havre after graduating from their youth academy.
The Frenchman is currently City's first-choice left back but the fan favourite revealed he used to occupy Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus' role of a striker.
However, following advice from his coach at Le Havre, Mendy decided left-back was the best position for him.
Asked what position he played, Mendy told OTRO: "Left winger and striker.
"When I got to Le Havre, my trainer Mohamed Sall told me: 'You'll be a left-back.'
"I said: 'No way.' He said: 'Yes.'"
Sall revealed that Mendy's poor performance in a cup game led to the suggestion.
He felt the Frenchman's crossing ability would be better utilised from the left of defence.
He said: "I realised pretty quickly that he wasn't the greatest forward.
"A final in the Coupe de Normandie, Benjamin started as a forward. After 25 minutes, he hadn't scored.
"He wasn't moving enough or pulling his weight. So I asked Benjamin to move to the left.
"He looked at me, shrugged, and went left.
"We equalised quickly with Benjamin in that position and won the cup final. He came to see me with a big smile and said 'I've found my position.'"
Mendy said of the switch: "Because I was where I wanted to be and I got hold of the ball - it was simpler."
Beccikpruy
1
Mendy can not be 25, if he played six yrs in le havre in first team and how many years in Monaco and how long has he been with man city, us blacks we love age cheating
i am talling you its mendy
kvng_selrahc
1
Seems like you were their when he was born. 😂 And football isn't age based competition where people compete each other based upon how old are they. And mark my word you are racist.
i swear, he's racist
Limmino
1
Mendy can not be 25, if he played six yrs in le havre in first team and how many years in Monaco and how long has he been with man city, us blacks we love age cheating
Seems like you were their when he was born. 😂 And football isn't age based competition where people compete each other based upon how old are they. And mark my word you are racist.
Africa8864146
4
He 's very effective. Even this season, he is now good. All he needs to do is to keep working hard and remain fit.
Jincemprty
2
he plays badly this sesson
sokilmz
2
read first my friend or go to mandy profile the you gett correct answer
motmnors
2
Mendy can not be 25, if he played six yrs in le havre in first team and how many years in Monaco and how long has he been with man city, us blacks we love age cheating