Rafael Marquez can play either as a defensive midfielder or a centre-half and the New York Red Bulls have been tinkering with the idea since he arrived last year.

But last week's pre-season clash with Mexican club Atlante suggested to head coach Hans Backe that the former Barcelona star was best in the heart of defence.

"(He looked) fantastic. I said to (GM) Erik (Soler) this is his position no doubt," Backe told the NY Post from Mexico.

"It seemed also he did a lot of work during our vacation because he's very fit. He looks absolutely as a leader in the back four, talking with the guys about the defending shape. This is definitely another player compared to last year.

"I will use him as a centerback, definitely; because in training and when I saw him in the friendly game against Atlante, with him and (Tim) Ream, they are so composed, they never get stressed. We will have a back four with four good football players to come out in our attacking game."