DeJuan Jones Hopes Caleb Porter Can Help Him Become The Best Outside Back In MLS
Jones: “I would say for the past, maybe, couple of years, I’ve been amongst the best outside backs in the league, but I want to be the best outside back in the league.”
DeJuan Jones is optimistic about the future of the New England Revolution, which is why he decided to sign a new four-year contract.
With one guaranteed year and a club option left on his previous deal, Jones had conversations with the club about extending his stay in New England.
He liked what he heard, ultimately leading to him putting pen to paper.
“New England has been my home for the last five years and it’s been great, the way the fans have embraced me,” Jones said. “I really enjoyed my time here and had good conversations with the front office and with [head coach] Caleb Porter. I like the direction that the Revs are heading in and I think we’re going to be really successful.”
The arrival of Porter is one of the reasons why Jones re-upped with the Revs.
Porter previously won MLS Cups with the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew. The hope is that he can do the same in New England.
“Getting Caleb Porter was a big get for the Revs,” Jones stated. “He’s a proven winner. I’ve had conversations with him and he’s telling me about ways he can help elevate my game and that’s always what I’m looking to do, always looking to improve.
“I think he can give us that structure that we need to reach new heights, new levels. I have already talked to a few guys who are there for preseason and it’s changed, it’s more difficult, and guys are enjoying the challenge. I’m really looking forward to the direction that we’re heading in and I think we’re going to be really successful.”
On a personal level, Jones is looking to make his sixth year in the league his best.
To do this, he understands that he has to be a tenacious defender while continuing to make attacking contributions. He also needs to be a vocal leader.
Jones explained, “[I have] a lot of personal goals this year, and I think Caleb Porter can help me reach those goals.”
“I would say for the past, maybe, couple of years, I’ve been amongst the best outside backs in the league, but I want to be the best outside back in the league,” Jones said. “I think this year with new coaching, new ideas, a new environment, I think this will help me continue to grow and stake my claim for being the best outside back in the league.”
Strong performances at the club level will also help his case to get more call-ups to the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Jones is currently in Texas ahead of Saturday’s international friendly against Slovenia. While it’s not a full national team camp, Jones is making the most of the opportunity by gaining a deeper understanding of the system.
World Cup 2026 is the ultimate goal, but there are other events along the way, including the Nations League and Copa America.
To be included, Jones needs to be consistent every time he takes the field.
“If you can stay playing at a high level, it’s tough to get knocked off and tough to not be getting called in,” Jones said when asked about what he needs to do to keep getting call-ups. “I would say, continue to perform at a high level each and every day. Obviously continuing to get goals and assists, continuing to be a lockdown defender, and being a guy that no one likes to play against.”
Jones has long been linked to European clubs. While he still has the ambition to one day play overseas, he believes it was the right move to sign a contract extension with the Revs.
“I would say that I still want to go to Europe,” Jones stated. “I think if the opportunity is there, then we’ll see what happens when it gets to that situation.”
“For now, [signing a new contract with the Revs] was the best move for my career. Getting a new coaching change is always something that you can really benefit from so there’ll be new instruction, new ideas, which I’m excited to learn from a different coach.
“I really want to win something here in New England, and I think we have the talent on the roster to do that.”