Carles Gil Discusses Growth As A Leader After Earning Fourth All Star Nod
"In the difficult moments, that’s when you need to push, to encourage the team.”
Carles Gil is a four-time MLS All-Star after being added to the roster on Tuesday.
The Designated Player leads the New England Revolution in goals (8) and assists (7) through 21 games. He’s made the MLS Team of the Matchday on six occasions.
Interestingly, Gil learned he would be heading to Texas to play the Liga MX All-Stars just before a league game against Austin FC.
“[MLS All-Star Coach] Nico [Estevez], told me, actually, before the game [on Saturday] he was going to put [Gil] on, so it’s well deserved,” head coach Caleb Porter said. “It doesn’t matter how it happens. Life has a funny way of working out and evening out in the end.
“He got the deserved call to make the All-Star Game, because he has had an unbelievable year, and he’ll continue to be our key player.”
Gil came to the Revolution in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top chance creators.
He has already etched his name into the Revs’ history books, surpassing Steve Ralston for most assists in club history (80). He is three goal contributions short of besting Taylor Twellman (129) in that category.
On a personal level, he now calls New England home and is proud to have the opportunity to represent the Revs at the mid-summer showcase.
“I love this team, I love Boston, I love everything,” Gil said. “I’m going to try to do my best in those days and represent my team.”
The last two years haven’t been easy for the Revolution, especially with the team missing out on the playoffs in 2024. Gil has used this time to inspire growth.
“We’ve had bad moments,” Gil said. “In bad moments, [I’ve learned] to be there, to try to make the next step. Not just me, but the experienced guys here like Matt [Polster], Brandon [Bye], and Andrew [Farrell]. In the difficult moments, that’s when you need to push, to encourage the team.”
Porter, who has frequently praised Gil for his play on the field, said that he has seen a lot of positivity from his captain, noting, “He likes the way we play.”
“I think sometimes players like Carles, because they’re so good, it’s hard for them to understand sometimes when we don’t get the cross right or we don’t get the run right,” Porter said. “These are things that are obvious to a player like him.
“I think he has gotten more patient, which is a big part of leadership, finding that balance between accountability and making sure you build confidence and stay positive. That positivity, that’s the biggest thing I’ve seen in him.”
The Revs, who are currently four points below the playoff line, have two big games this week before Gil departs for the MLS All-Star Game.
Gil hopes to continue to push the Revs closer to securing a playoff spot.
“I think this season is different, even though we are not in the position we want,” Gil said. “But, the feeling is different, we are competing every game, and we feel we are there. Obviously, we need to improve and start to win games. But I think it can be a good season.”