Dan Burn enjoyed his role in the centre of Fulham's back three in the 3-1 win over QPR.
Slavisa Jokanovic put the tall defender in between new loanee Michael Madl and the returning Fernando Amorebieta from his loan stint at Middlesbrough.
The system worked as QPR were nullified and, while Burn admitted it took him out of his comfort zone, it made him more focused.
He said: “Recently, I've played all over. I've played right centre back the last few games.
“It takes you out of your comfort zone and makes you more switched on for the game. I thought the formation worked well.”
Madl, in particular, impressed the Whites centre back after making the adaptation to English football, although tougher tests than QPR will surely come.
He added: “It was really good. I was really impressed with Michael. He hasn't had a lot of training. I thought he was superb today as was Nando.
“They're two good footballers and good defenders. That formation compliments their attributes really.
“It's good for me as I can sit in the middle and marshal people. I enjoy that role. I feel a natural leader from what I do on the pitch. I don't realise I'm doing it. I take pride in it.”
Fulham, once again conceded from a set-piece as Tjarron Chery fired home from a corner in stoppage time.
While the goal can more be put down to a side easing off the gas, knowing three points is in the bag, it continued Fulham's Achilles heel.
Despite that, when the game was on the line, the Whites looked much more comfortable at dealing with corners and free kicks.
In pictures: Fulham fans enjoy the win over QPR
Burn explained: “I think we're tighter on those. They had a few set pieces but they haven't caused us many problems.
“The goal was more second phase than coming from the original set play. I think we've coped really well. The manager has come in and you can see the improvement he's made already.”
Fulham play their game in hand on the pack at Blackburn on Tuesday night and Burn is keen to move further away from the relegation zone.
“We've got Blackburn away on Tuesday; I think we've got a chance there. We'll be working hard towards Tuesday now,” he said.
“I don't think we want to be pulled into the same situation as we had last season. The quicker we can move away from the pack behind the better.”
