Juliano Belletti hopes to fill the defensive midfield void left by
Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel's involvement in the African
Nations Cup.
The Chelsea pair have temporarily departed Stamford Bridge
for Angola, leaving Carlo Ancelotti's side light in that area of
the team.
But Belletti, 33, is hoping to build on his 11 starts so far
this season and insists he is the man to deputise in the African
stars' absence even though he is more accustomed to playing at
full-back.
"I think now at Chelsea I like to play in midfield because
there is so much quality," he said.
"It is not a difficult job for me because the other players
have quality and experience, it is easy to work in that position.
"In defence you work hard of course, you are just one player
in front of the defence, but with the ball we can do our job, it is
simple.
"I played there in pre-season in America and I spoke with
Carlo (Ancelotti)after pre-season and said I can help the team, not
just as a right-back, but also in midfield in the absence of Mikel
and Essien, and at this moment in January the team needs me."
Chelsea are currently sitting pretty at the top of the
Premier League and are one point above Manchester United with a
game in hand.
Belletti will have the chance to prove himself in upcoming
matches against Sunderland, Birmingham and Burnley in the league,
and Preston in the FA Cup.
