Maldini Kacurri is only a few weeks into life as a Mariner, but the young centre-back is already embracing the challenge, and the expectations that come with pushing for promotion from Sky Bet League Two.

Having arrived at Blundell Park with a reputation for aggression and honesty in his defending, the 20-year-old says he has felt right at home from the outset.

“I’m really enjoying it so far,” he said. “The lads are really good, all the staff have been welcoming and the fans have been really welcoming as well. So yeah, I’m enjoying it.”

A special reception

Kacurri was introduced to the home crowd ahead of the MK Dons fixture and admits the response made an instant impression.

“I was really impressed by that, to be honest. It’s a great fan base, great people.”

Since then, he has already sampled league action, making his debut in the victory at Accrington Stanley before featuring again against Walsall.

“I enjoyed both games. I enjoyed playing in front of the fans,” he reflected. “Obviously we won at Accrington. I didn’t think I had my best game against Walsall, but I know I’ve still got a lot to learn. I’m going to keep working hard and getting better.”

Stamping his authority

On debut, Kacurri won the majority of his aerial duels and was not dribbled past once – a display that underlined the aggressive, front-foot style he prides himself on.

“I take a lot of pride in my defending, especially in my duels,” he explained. “I think I’m quite aggressive, so it’s nice to know that I didn’t let anyone get past me in that game. That makes me happy.”

Building partnerships quickly is never straightforward for a defender arriving mid-season, but Kacurri believes the collective nature of the side has helped ease that transition.

“Our defence has got a lot of good defenders, and not just the defenders – the whole team defends really well,” he said. “Very honest players who run for each other.

“I think it’s just a case of settling in. The coaches give you a lot of information and the lads make it easy. It’s about playing games, getting used to everyone and improving each time.”

Measured mentality

Despite the positive start, the Albanian international remains grounded, determined not to get carried away by the highs or discouraged by the lows.

“I try to make sure I don’t get too high and I don’t get too low. I understand it’s a process,” he said.

“As long as I keep getting opportunities, working hard and looking at what I’ve done right and wrong, I know I’m going to keep getting better with more experience.

“It’s not a straight path. You’re going to have ups and downs, so you’ve just got to embrace it and keep pushing through.”

That mental strength, combined with his willingness to put his body on the line, is something supporters have quickly taken to.

“For the team, first and foremost, I’m never going to protect myself,” he said. “If I need to put myself in a vulnerable situation for the best of the team, I’ll do it. I have no problem doing that.

“I hope the fans can see that I really want to do good for the team and help as much as I can.”

Fine margins and ruthlessness

With recent games decided by small details, Kacurri is clear on what it takes defensively to stay on the right side of those margins.

“Communication and organisation are massive,” he said. “You’ve got to put yourself in the best position to give yourself the best chance to defend.

“Sometimes it’s last-minute tackles, blocks or headers. It’s a combination of a lot of things, but you’ve got to have pride in your defending.”

In the opposition box, he believes there is more to come too.

“With my physical stature and willingness to attack the ball, I feel like that’s something I can be good at,” he added. “We’ve got very good set-piece takers and we create chances, so hopefully I can contribute a few goals.”

Eyes on Notts County

Attention now turns to Saturday’s trip to Notts County, one of the division’s strongest attacking sides and formidable on home soil.

“They’re definitely a challenge I’m looking forward to,” Kacurri said. “I like to be involved in the game. I like having things to do and I’m eager to show what I can do defensively. I’m sure the team will be as well.”

With the Mariners within touching distance of the play-off places, the stakes are clear, but the defender’s approach remains simple.

“I’ll just focus on the game itself and my performance,” he said. “I won’t really look into the bigger picture. It’s better to take it game by game and see what happens.”

Composed, committed and quietly confident, Kacurri is settling in quickly, and with big tests ahead, he looks ready to embrace every one of them.

You can watch Maldini’s full pre-match interview here:

UTM