What I Like About Esmir Bajraktarevic, Noel Buck, and Jack Panayotou
What I Like About Esmir Bajraktarevic, Noel Buck, and Jack Panayotou
Esmir is bold, Noel is defensively sound, and Jack has good awareness.
On Saturday, the New England Revolution became the first MLS team this season to start three players 18 or younger in a league match when midfielders Noel Buck (17), Esmir Bajraktarevic (18), and Jack Panayotou (18) started against D.C. United.
The youngsters had an impressive showing and the hope is that we’ll see more from them. Below I outline one characteristic I like about each Homegrown.
Esmir Bajraktarevic is bold and direct
Stat line courtesy of FotMob: 62 minutes, 35 touches, 13/16 on accurate passes, 2 chances created, 1 shot on target, 2/7 on successful dribbles, 2/4 on accurate crosses, 2 recoveries, 3/9 on ground duels won, 1 foul, and 1 foul committed.
What I liked most about Bajraktarevic–besides the fact that he has his first name on the back of his jersey–is that he was always looking to go forward. Bajraktarevic is comfortable on the ball and has no problem taking on opponents. Let’s not forget that he nutmegged a defender last year.
Bajraktarevic trained with AZ Alkmaar in the off-season and could certainly play in Europe one day. For now, Bajraktarevic will use his quick footwork to create opportunities for the Revs.
Other characteristics to keep an eye on:
Bajraktarevic was on set piece duty because Carles Gil wasn’t in the starting lineup.
Defensive contributions are usually a point of emphasis for young players. Bajraktarevic still has some growing to do, but he did show that he can withstand pressure from MLS opponents.
Noel Buck is defensively sound
Stat line courtesy of FotMob: 90 minutes, 70 touches, 41/49 on accurate passes, 1 chance created, 9 passes in the final third, 1 shot on target, 1 goal, 1/2 on successful dribbles, 4/8 on accurate long balls, 2/3 on tackles won, 2 clearances, 1 interception, 6 recoveries, 5/8 on ground duels won, 0/1 on aerial duels won, 1 foul, and 1 foul committed.
Buck has started all five of the Revolution’s games this year so we have a lot of tape on him. One thing I’ve noticed is that he’s getting better in terms of his defensive positioning. Playing a flat four midfield is a daunting task because the two in the middle have to be on the same page. Buck’s ability to read the game on Saturday was impressive.
The Arlington native was constantly in the right place, at the right time. He also has a tireless engine, which allows him to recover quickly. My favorite moment of the night was when he stood strong against Christian Benteke, who is an intimidating presence.
Other characteristics to keep an eye on:
Pay attention to Buck’s positioning when the Revs have a corner kick. He has been very good at offering a dangerous cross or shot after winning the second ball. We saw this on Saturday when he scored the game winner.
Buck can play a good ball from deep. Sometimes this pass is directed at a striker and other times it’s a cross-field ball to a midfielder or outside back. These balls are so helpful when unsettling opponents.
Buck loves to be an outlet as the Revs switch fields.
Jack Panayotou has great awareness
Stat line courtesy of FotMob: 78 minutes, 40 touches, 23/28 passing, 2 chances created, 7 passes in the final third, 2 shots (0 on target), 1/1 on successful dribbles, 1/4 on accurate long balls, 0/1 on accurate crosses, 0/1 on tackles won, 1 interception, 1 recovery, 1 dribbled past, 3/6 on ground duels won, 1/2 on aerial duels won, 1 foul, and 1 foul committed.
I really think Panayotou would’ve started the season opener in Charlotte if not for a poorly-timed case of mononucleosis. The midfielder has good feet and is silky smooth on the ball.
What I liked the most about Panayotou on Saturday is that he was thinking one step ahead. If he knew a defender was coming, he would use his body to protect the ball. He also played a couple of nice passes down the line to advancing attackers. His relationship with DeJuan Jones is just beginning, but there’s already some chemistry between the two.
Other characteristics to keep an eye on:
We saw a nice shot from Panayotou towards the end of the first half, and scoring goals is certainly in his arsenal. On Tuesday, he was asked about potentially playing in front of home fans this weekend. Panayotou said, “[It] will be a really cool moment to have fans that are rooting for me this time. Maybe if I score, it will be more exciting than all the fans going quiet in D.C.”
Like Bajraktarevic, keep an eye on Panayotou’s defensive efforts. This isn’t to say that Panaoyotou was poor on Saturday, it’s just a note that it’s tough for a teenager to play against grown, experienced men.
Final Thoughts
The performances of Bajraktarevic, Buck, and Panayotou gave Revs fans plenty to be excited about. That said, the three players need to show consistency as they continue to develop. This could be tough because only 11 players can be on the field at one time. The Homegrowns have to be ready when their names are called, and I think they will be.