And No.5 eager to build on successful first season in England
CLAUDIO Yacob says he is honoured to be voted Zoopla Player of the Month by the fans.The summer Bosman signing was picked as the star performer in March via a vote on the club’s official Facebook page.
And the award comes on the back of an impressive first season in English football, where he has successfully translated the traditional Argentinian No.5 role to the Barclays Premier League.
“I’m very, very happy to win, said Yacob.
“It’s the first time I’ve won it and it’s really important to me to be voted player of the month.
“I’m not surprised how well we’ve done because we train really hard and I believe in the team.
“I always do the best I can to be among the best players.
“The football is faster here.
“They play under a lot of pressure.
“In Argentina they have to play under pressure as well because this is what football is about nowadays.
“I believe I can give a lot more.
“I will carry on doing what I’ve been doing and try and improve.
“I also still want to get back in the international fold – but the new coach hasn’t mentioned me yet.”
Yacob revealed the importance of the No.5 role has been drummed into him from the age of five - and coming through the ranks at Racing Club de Avellaneda.
And he is an admirer of fellow Argentina international Javier Mascherano and Manchester United’s Michael Carrick in that position.
“In Argentina the No.5 is very important from a very young age,” he added.
“I started playing since the age of five.
“In Argentina it is important the No.5 is the balance for the team.
“You don’t counter-attack and you have to be responsible for starting the play.
“I really like Carrick in that role and Mascherano.”
Off the pitch, Yacob and his girlfriend Noelia continue to work hard on learning English and he explained what materials he is using to improve his skills – including watching a certain popular TV series.
“In English I watch Friends with my girlfriend and cartoons because they are easy to understand," he said.
“I enjoy loads of films, I listen to the radio quite a lot and I read as well.
“I like Adele and the Beatles.”