The versatile Belgian has recently made it back into the side after a long spell on the sidelines, playing at right back rather than his accustomed central defensive role, and he could be back in the mix in the busy weeks coming up.
And he thinks that there is a simple equation to solve to achieve the goal of qualifying for the Champions League.
“To qualify for the Champions League, we have to try to win all our games now. I’m enjoying it, I’ve never been in this kind of position before and I want to play Champions League football. From where we were a few years ago to where we are now, there’s a big difference, a lot of improvement and we have taken giant steps,” he said.
Now we all need to speak as one for the team. We all have this target of qualifying for the Champions League and we are in the cup final, but there is a long way to go in the season.
This is going to be the hardest part of my career, and as it is the end of the season it’s going to get even harder.”
Twenty-year-old Boyata’s recent performances at right-back were not his first, with an assured display in the battling win over Chelsea catching the eye last September. Far from seeing this change as a daunting task, the Brussels-born international has taken it all in his stride and is enjoying the challenge.
“I really don’t mind playing there,” he added. “I just need the time to get used to it. I need to improve on what positions I should be in when I play there, I’d like more time to learn but I don’t mind being asked to play there at all.
“It gives me the chance to go forward, normally I stop at the half-way line! Right back has given me the chance to get over it, get crosses in and help the others more.”
