Carles Gil And Cristiano Oliveira Bonding At MLS All Star
Gil on Oliveira: "He wants to learn every day, every time. I’m here to help with everything and enjoy with him too.”
Monday provided a special moment, as former MLS MVP Carles Gil went over to greet 17-year-old midfielder Cristiano Oliveira after the MLS All-Stars finished training.
Both players are representing the New England Revolution in Austin, TX. Gil is attending his fourth MLS All-Star Game, while Oliveira is participating in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game.
“He’s a very nice guy, a very good player,” Gil said of Oliveira. “He’s a young guy. He wants to learn every time. I’m here to help with everything and enjoy with him too.”
The Revs value the pro player pathway, as they seek opportunities to connect all levels. Oliveira came to the club as a U-15 player, ultimately rising through the ranks before signing a contract with Revolution II in October 2024.
The Massachusetts native has played and trained with the first team, giving him a firsthand look at Gil’s skill.
“I think Carles has so many special qualities about him,” Oliveira said. “The way that he just controls the ball, how every single touch has an intention to it.
“Something that stood out to me in preseason when I was there was his finishing. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s like he’s shooting a gun. It’s perfect, with his left foot.”
Oliveira, who is always focused on growing, said there’s much he can learn from Gil.
“I think his body feints, how he uses his body to protect the ball, driving at people [are all special],” Oliveira said. “I don’t think there’s one thing I can take, but a lot.”
Oliveira’s All-Star Game takes place on Monday at 8:30 pm EST, two days before Gil takes the field. The elder midfielder will be there to support the younger.
Oliveira has already made appearances with the Revolution first team, scoring the game-winner against Rhode Island FC off the bench and playing 90 minutes against Chicago Fire, both in the U.S. Open Cup.
He hopes to one day follow the pro player pathway and become a full-time contributor to the first team.
“I think the pathway is what builds players to become first-team players,” Oliveira explained. “The biggest thing that I learned about this is that there are steps. You need to be able to do certain things to get to the next step and achieve certain things.
“I’m super happy that I made the decision to come to the Revs. I’m super grateful for the pathway and what it’s made me so far.”
Another example of why Carles Gil needs a statue outside the Revs stadium whenever they get one