Carles Gil and Henry Kessler Praised For Stepping Up During Busy Stretch
Porter: “I think as a supporter, you’re always going like that, guys that want to be in, and [Carles Gil is] a player that wants to be in and he’ll give everything he has for this club.”
The busy start for the New England Revolution has required some players to step up on short rest. Such is the case for Carles Gil and Henry Kessler.
Gil exited at halftime of Thursday’s Concacaf Champions Cup game due to a tight Achilles. It was unknown if the midfielder would be ready to participate in the Revs’ home opener three days later.
Gil ended up putting in a 90-performance during which he had the most dribbles (3) and created the most chances (5).
“I can’t say enough about Carles,” head coach Caleb Porter said. “It was touch-and-go a little bit, even on the matchday minus one. He felt better, but I asked him after training, ‘You good to go?’ He goes, ‘Yeah there’s a little pain, but I’m good to go. I’m going to play.’
“I think as a supporter, you’re always going like that, guys that want to be in, and he’s a player that wants to be in and he’ll give everything he has for this club.”
Henrich Ravas hasn’t been with the Revolution for long, but he’s already taken note of Gil’s skills.
The Designated Player had an impressive goal against D.C. United and almost got his second of the year on Sunday.
“You can see why he’s the captain, why he’s our best player,” Ravas said. “He’s been amazing since I came here, quality. So obviously he had a knock. He got through. Big respect to him. [He] put in a performance as well. You can see why he’s one of the leaders.”
Porter also recognized the efforts of Kessler. The center back marked his return from injury by playing 45 minutes on Thursday and 90 minutes on Sunday.
“Henry went, after being out for four weeks, he went a 45 and a 90 in four days, two games in four days,” Porter remarked. “Unbelievable for him to be able to do that.”
Noel Buck offered his own praise for Gil and Kessler, saying, “A lot of us can follow their lead.”