Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera says he is thriving in his new role under Jose Mourinho and believes the switch was the reason he received his first call-up to the Spain squad.
Herrera, signed after Louis van Gaal's arrival in 2014, has been one of the club's most impressive performers since Mourinho took charge in the summer.
He has made nine starts in all competitions, scoring once and setting up another goal, and was included in new Spain coach Julen Lopetegui's squad earlier this month.
He told Spanish radio Cadena Ser: "Personally, it's going very well. I understand what Mourinho wants and what he demands of me."
Herrera's switch to a deeper position allows the former Athletic Bilbao star to break up opposition play and make more of an impact for the team.
"I think that to be a No. 10 of a big club like this one, you are compelled to score at least 15 goals per season," the 27-year-old said. "I've never done that in my career. I wish I could do it but I've had to adapt. The most intelligent thing is to adapt when you see a space available in the team and that is what I've tried to do.
"I think in this new position, playing ahead of the defence, I help the team a lot.
"I can win a lot of balls back and can also distribute play more comfortably. I now see football from a more privileged position in terms of anticipating the play, winning balls back and building the play as quickly as possible.
"I think the coach is very happy with me."
Herrera, whose form fluctuated under Van Gaal during his first two seasons at the club, says the change of position opened the door for him to make the senior Spain squad.
An under-21 and U23 international for Spain, Herrera has never been capped by the senior side but was called up by Lopetegui for last month's World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania.
He hopes to make the squad when La Roja host Macedonia in a World Cup qualifier on Nov. 12 and potentially make his debut.
"With my current position, it's more feasible for me to be able to take part in the national team," Herrera said. "We nevertheless do have the best in the world in that position, Sergio Busquets. But I'm comfortable in this position and I believe I got the call because there is less competition in that position.
"My dream is to represent my country and I'm doing all I can for that to happen. I know I have to continue to fight for a spot.
"I've never lost hope. I know that Julen follows me and I know I have options."
Herrera, meanwhile, has defended club teammate Paul Pogba, who was criticised for his performance after Manchester United's 4-0 loss to Chelsea on Sunday.
United bought Pogba from Juventus for a world-record transfer fee of £89.3 million in the summer, but he has struggled to replicate the dominant displays he regularly produced for the Italian champions
Ander Herrera was a driving force as Man United tested City and broke their resistance. Player ratings: https://t.co/1FRuFh1Dx3 pic.twitter.com/3ZvVwT8L9B
- ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 27, 2016
"Pogba has everything," Herrera said. "He can shoot the ball with both feet, he is good with his head, he is strong, he is fast, he can win back balls and he can build play.
"There has been a lot of media attention on him because of the cost of his signature but he is 23 and things take time. I'm calm because I see what he is like.
"He is the player that has played the most minutes in the team. He doesn't miss training, games. I see him work hard every day.
"He wants it [the responsibility] and doesn't shy away. He perseveres and he will get there. He is giving us a lot and he can give a lot more."
Herrera and Pogba started as United bounced back from the humiliating defeat at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday with a 1-0 triumph over Manchester City in the Capital One Cup.
"It's always beautiful to win a derby, especially after last weekend's defeat," Herrera said. "We needed this result. Our weekend defeat was very painful for us and for our fans. It's also great that we have advanced to the next round."
United host Burnley on Saturday needing to play catch-up, with Mourinho's side having failed to win in the Premier League since a 4-1 victory over Leicester City on Sept. 24.
They are seventh in the standings, six points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
"We now have two crucial games and we must take six points in order to climb up in the standings," Herrera said. "We have Burnley at home and Swansea away. We have to make the most of those games."