Gudjohnsen: I Was Not The Striker Barça Needed Eidur Gudjohnsen is revelling in his new role in Barcelona's midfield and has admitted that he may not

The Icelandic midfielder was seen as the new Henrik Larsson when he joined from Chelsea in 2006, but failed to win a regular place in the side up front.

Although he played as the frontman with Chelsea, Gudjohnsen believes that is not his best position.

"I was probably not the number nine that Barcelona needed," he stated.

"It was normal that we played 4-4-2 at Chelsea and I was the second striker.

"We then began to play with a 4-3-3 and I was moved to the number nine position, but with (Arjen) Robben and (Joe) Cole on the wings I was able to play as the out-and-out striker.

Having opted to stay at Camp Nou last summer despite being linked to various clubs, Gudjohnsen has now been rewarded with a run in midfield and he is finally enjoying himself.

"It is where I believe that I can use my quality in a better way by arriving late and trying to cause a surprise," he continued.

"Xavi, (Andrés) Iniesta and Deco are great players, with strong technique and all the same size, making them similar players.

"I am different, a different option, but in the end it is down to the coach."

Gudjohnsen is also pleased that he resisted the offers that came his way to leave Barça and instead chose to stay and show what he is capable of.

"I wanted to stay and prove myself. They were difficult times. There was a lot of rumours, but I was mentally prepared. I knew that it was going to be hard," he explained.

"I had faith in my own ability and I worked as hard as I could to be better than last year."