Rob Atkinson admits confidence in his own game is allowing him to showcase his ability in becoming Bristol City's ball carrier out of defence.
The centre-back has continued where he left off towards the end of last season having cemented his reputation of being one of the most consistent players among the squad.
One particular trait of his game this season has been his ability to bring the ball out of defence and contribute to the attack. Tommy Conway's goal at Norwich was a prime example when a driving run forward opened up space for Nahki Wells whose cross landed on the head of his prolific strike partner.
It also alleviates the pressure on the backline and gets City higher up the pitch. Of course, that comes with its own risks of having a central defender out of position but the Robins are reaping the rewards for his bravery.
It's part of his game that he has always enjoyed coming from his time as a central midfielder in the earlier part of his career and admits it's a lot more prominent this season because of his confidence and a tweak in City's tactical play.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's visit of QPR, the 24-year-old said: "It's always been a part of my game even before I joined Bristol City.
"Just like most defenders who slowly drop down the pitch as you get older, I used to be a central midfielder and it was a large part of my game then. That run with the ball and I carried it with me as I went back as a central defender.
"I didn't do it as much as I wanted to last season which is why it's a bit of a shock that people are seeing me do it now but it's not something that has come about out of thin air. I've had that ability to do it for a long time.
"We've become a lot more possession-based which means we have a lot more of the ball. When you have more of the ball you can do a lot more with it. You get more time and respect from the opposition which naturally allows you to carry the ball forward a lot more.
"Last season was a bit turbulent in terms of my form, I started off well and got the illness and it was just a very tough time. When you're not fit your confidence goes and that's a big part of being positive.
"When you're not confident you tend to not be as positive and don't take as many risks. Stepping out with the ball is taking a risk so that's probably my explanation as to why I didn't do it as much last season."
Atkinson continues to impress on a personal level. In just two years he went from playing in the National League with Eastleigh to the Championship with City and after a positive start at the beginning of last season, illness and injuries led to a loss of form which the player has spoken candidly in the past about.
There's no doubting his form is down to his fitness and he says last season's difficulties, including his first experience of playing Championship football, have proved hugely beneficial this time around.
"The first season in the Championship is always going to be quite hard," he added. "I've got that out the way and played quite a few games.
"You learn from the stadiums you play at, the tempo and speed of the game, the people you play against and even your own team-mates. It's good to get that season done and that has really helped my experience and I think that has shown in my form."
When asked whether he's fitter in comparison to 12 months ago, with Nigel Pearson previously admitting it was something of a culture shock for the 24-year-old when he first arrived from Oxford only to then suffer an illness in October, he added: "Yeah, and that's credit to everyone here behind the scenes.
"From the physios, Dave Rennie's been excellent and I really worked hard in the off-season. It's the hardest I've ever worked in order to get to a stage where I'm fit and it's not hindering me anymore. It was a tough period last year and was finding it really hard but it seems like a very long time ago now."
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
