Venezuelan midfielder Edson Castillo has been a standout performer for Kaizer Chiefs so far, excelling on either end of the pitch, sparking a debate over whether he is a 6 or an 8.
Castillo has weighed in with two goals so far, featuring in all of Amakhosi’s matches. He got his goals against Cape Town City in the MTN8 quarterfinal and the emphatic 3-0 win over AmaZulu FC.
He has been deployed as both a 6 and an 8 in his career, and there has been debate over his best position.
Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki has weighed in on the debate, explaining what they found when they were profiling him.
IS EDSON CASTILLO A 6 OR AN 8: MOLEFI NTSEKI GIVES HIS VERDICT
“I’ve had this question many times,” Ntseki told journalists during the MTN8 presser on Thursday.
“When we were doing a profile of him, he played as a six, and he played as an eight. He scored goals for his team. He covered the centre-backs very well.
“I think the way we play with two sixes, there are times where we push him forward because he has got the qualities of getting into the box and also scoring.
“In answering this question, I remember Letladi Madubanya when he came to [Bloemfontein] Celtic. I asked him what type of midfielder he was. He said, ‘I’m a cocktail type of player’.
“I think that’s what we have in Edson Castillo. He’s a 6, an 8 and a 10.”
The 29-year-old has proven to be a versatile player who can play in several positions.
Ntseki has played him as a double six in the first few of the season, partnering Yusuf Maart.
However, Castillo’s versatility is a major asset, giving Chiefs more options in midfield. He also provides the Soweto giants more flexibility in midfield.
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