Maxime Esteve, a 22-year-old footballer standing at an imposing 6ft 4in, has become a pivotal figure in Burnley's defensive lineup. Since joining the team on loan in January, Esteve has started every game, playing an essential role in Burnley's impressive record of conceding just nine goals across 26 matches. Born and raised in the south of France, Esteve is still acclimatizing to the colder conditions of Lancashire while learning English to better integrate with his teammates. Despite these challenges, he remains in high spirits and aspires to propel Burnley back to the Premier League this season.
Esteve's journey to becoming a central defensive pillar is relatively recent. At the age of 19, he transitioned to playing as a centre-back after starting his football career in more advanced positions.
"I only played centre-back from aged 19," explained Maxime Esteve.
"Before that I was a full-back. Before that I was a left winger."
Esteve's height has influenced his positional play significantly. While he once occupied roles closer to the attacking line, his stature now suits him best as a defender.
"I'm too tall to play so close to the line, now. I love being a defender. I like clearances, putting my body on the line, tackles and duels. It is the best place for me to be," he expressed.
Since his arrival, Esteve has been instrumental in fortifying Burnley's defense. His presence has brought a new level of reliability and resilience, attributes that are reflected in the team's defensive statistics. Despite his defensive prowess, Esteve acknowledges areas where he aims for improvement.
"I do need to improve how I use the ball, maybe take more risks with it," he admitted.
"And I need to improve how many I score. I like to defend on set-pieces, but I want to score a few goals before the end of the season."
Esteve's ambition extends beyond merely shoring up defenses; he aspires to become more influential in attack as well.
"With my size I definitely need to be more decisive in both boxes," he noted.
Esteve's experience in the Premier League last season has provided valuable insights into top-tier competition. His time in England has not only honed his skills but also fueled his ambition to see Burnley return to the Premier League. His positive outlook and commitment remain undeterred by the hurdles of adapting to a new environment and language.
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