Malanda models game on Thiago Silva and Varane

Middlesbrough defender Adilson Malanda says he has modelled his game on centre-backs Thiago Silva and Raphael Varane.

The 24-year-old was named player of the match in his long-awaited Boro debut during the 4-0 win over Southampton at the Riverside on Sunday.

Malanda signed from US side Charlotte FC in the summer but was immediately loaned back until the end of the MLS season, though he wasted no time in making a positive impression once he pulled on a Boro shirt.

He made more blocks (10) than any other player on the pitch against the Saints, four of which crucially stopped goalbound shots, most notably from Flynn Downes and Adam Armstrong.

"I'm really enjoying it, really pleased to be here and fully part of it now," Malanda told BBC Radio Tees.

"I want to thank the fans for the welcome because it was a great atmosphere to feel for a first game. Just really happy that it turned out this way for us.

"The most important thing was to get back to winning after those few results [four without a win]. The team was ready for it and I'm really happy that it turned out in a good way."

When asked who he looks up to as a defender, Malanda said: "Obviously Thiago Silva, he likes to defend, stand, never goes down, or rarely.

"Varane a little bit. I have quite a few of them, just taking from everyone."

Malanda described the Championship as "one of the most exciting leagues in the world" and said he was desperate to start playing.

"I had a chance to speak a little bit with the boys over there [in the US] and they told me it was a tough league, really intense, the duels and you can face really different teams," he added.