Play Usain Bolt in defense, says Spain's ex-coach

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World Cup-winning coach Vicente del Bosque has some advice for sprint king Usain Bolt's new Australian club - play him in defense.

The Jamaican superstar has been handed the chance to train with the Central Coast Mariners for an indefinite period in a bid to prove he has what it takes to earn a professional playing contract.

The eight-time Olympic champion made his debut late last month in a 20-minute cameo as a substitute during a friendly, starting in his favored left wing position.

He nearly scored but tired quickly and admitted he was not match-fit, with Australian pundits saying he had plenty of work ahead to make the grade.

Spain's head coach Vicente del Bosque gestures during the 2010 FIFA World Cup semi-final match between Germany and Spain at Durban Stadium in Durban, South Africa, July 7, 2010. /VCG Photo

Del Bosque, whose eight-year reign as Spain's head coach ended after their last-16 exit at Euro 2016, said it was possible Bolt could fulfill his dream of becoming a footballer, despite being 32.

"For a team that counter-attacks hard and transitions quickly into open space, sure (he would fit in). It would be possible, of course," said de Bosque, who guided Spain to the 2010 World Cup title.

But he suggested the 100m world record holder would be better in defense than up front.

Vicente del Bosque attends the "Espacio Seleccion" exhibition showcasing his original soccer boots at Telefonica flagship store in Madrid, Spain, June 6, 2018. /VCG Photo

"With space, he could be a very good footballer," said del Bosque, who also steered Real Madrid to Champions League success.

"He could be a full-back that covers a lot of space, but it depends, because it's not just about covering 100, or 60 or 70 meters of the pitch.

"It's about doing it many times over and that requires stamina which I don't know whether he has or not, although I'm sure he has prepared.

"Without a doubt as a full-back, with his back towards the crowd and the touchline, that's where he would be most useful."

Bolt, who retired from athletics last year, has previously tried out with clubs in Germany, South Africa and Norway, to no avail.

He has acknowledged the pace and rhythm of football is completely different to the athletics track and said it will take time to adjust.

Usain Bolt of Jamaica celebrates winning the gold medal in the men's 200m final of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 18, 2016. /VCG Photo

Del Bosque believes that if Bolt makes it as a footballer, it will rank alongside his greatest achievements.

"To start playing professional football at the age of 32 isn't normal," he said.

"But he has won a lot during his 32 years of life and, he has earned the right to say: 'Hey, I want to be a footballer.'"

(Cover: Central Coast Mariners player Usain Bolt in action during the A-League trial match between the Central Coast Mariners and Central Coast Selection in Gosford, Australia, August 31, 2018. /VCG Photo)

Source(s): AFP