Bobby Wood on Dylan Borrero: "I Think Everyone Respects Him and Sees His Raw Potential"
Dylan Borrero is on international duty and will miss the New England Revolution's upcoming game against D.C. United
Dylan Borrero has been a key piece of the New England Revolution attack this season and Bruce Arena will have to plan to be without him for at least this weekend’s game against D.C. United.
The winger was called up to the Colombian National Team for the second straight time as the South American nation prepares for a friendly against South Korea on Friday before taking on Japan in the 2023 Kirin Challenge Cup on March 28.
Borrero made his debut for the senior national team in January when Colombia played the United States in a friendly. He played 68 minutes against the USMNT and completed 92 percent of his passes while recording 48 touches.
The 21-year-old has had a great start to the 2023 season. So far, Borrero has recorded team highs in shots (10), shots on target (5), and fouls won (7) this season along with securing his first goal of the season.
While his absence will be noticeable, Arena is happy that Borrero is beginning to etch out an international career for himself.
“Well, [Dylan Borrero] was called up in January, too, so this isn’t new,” Arena said. “He’s a good, young player with a lot of potential, so hopefully he can start to have an international career. Like anything else, you miss one of your key attacking players, you make adjustments, and we’ll do that. We’ll be okay. We’ll make some changes and be ready to play the game.”
While playing well in Major League Soccer is great, every player wants to do well representing their nation. So far this year, the winger has been given the chance to show that he should be a part of Colombia’s long-term plans with his two call ups.
Veteran striker Bobby Wood believes that Borrero still has plenty of raw potential and is excited to see the 21-year-old get the call up.
“I think the whole team is happy for Dylan [Borrero]. It’s a great team to be on,” Wood said. “I think Colombia is a very strong team and I hope he gets a chance to do his thing because he’s been showing it here and I think everyone respects him and sees his raw potential.”
Borrero has shown the ability to go at defenders and be a dynamic attacker on the wing. It is a skill New England has been missing ever since the departure of Tajon Buchanan.
The Revs will be hoping that Borrero can build off his strong start to the MLS season and maintain his momentum on the international level. He will have to be a key part of the attack if New England wants to have a successful 2023 campaign.