Will Sands Providing Vital Coverage at Left Back
"Again, we feel – I don't know what anybody else thinks, but we feel as a coaching staff and a front office and as a club that we are covered really well right now at left back.”
The New England Revolution stunned fans when they traded DeJuan Jones, leaving the left back position in a possibly precarious situation.
While youngster Peyton Miller has burst onto the scene, he is only 16 years old and is just getting his first professional minutes. While his talent is evident, it will be interesting to see how his body holds up for the remainder of the season.
The left back has already shown his willingness to put his body on the line and also was seen leaving Gillette Stadium in a walking boot after Saturday’s match. While New England has a lengthy break, if Miller was forced to miss any time; the Revolution would be in a heap of trouble.
But while all the focus was on Jones’ exit, New England did receive a player in return. Left back Will Sands was also involved in the deal and looks to receive a healthy does of minutes whether it be off the bench or as the second left back on the depth chart.
In the first two matches of his Revolution career, Sands featured off the bench. As he has only played 17 minutes, it is hard to judge his overall play but Caleb Porter is confident in the state of the left back position.
“Good player. He [Will Sands] is a good player,” Porter said when asked about the left back. “He is 24, he is athletic, he is a good defender, he is very focused, he's very simple and clean. He is a really good piece for us.”
The head coach then hyped up Miller and the talent that the 16-year-old possesses before giving an indication of the overall state of the left back position.
“But Peyton Miller, I mean, if you can't see the talent and quality out of this kid, you’ve got something wrong with you, because this kid, he's the real deal,” Porter said. “I don't want to overhype him, but everything he does makes sense. He's quick. He's got it all. He defends, he tackles, he heads, he passes. The one thing is he has just got to play 90. He gets a little winded. Today, I think he could have gotten through it, it's just we don't want to risk an injury with anybody, actually. And we got Will, right? So, putting Will in for last 10 minutes made sense. Again, we feel – I don't know what anybody else thinks, but we feel as a coaching staff and a front office and as a club that we are covered really well right now at left back.”
For Matt Polster, Sands’ soccer IQ is evident and will help him perform well in New England.
“Yeah, I think the biggest thing for me is his soccer IQ and understanding of the game has been the most notable,” the midfielder said. “Obviously, coming from Columbus, you know, those guys are quite technical and they pride themselves in that but his understanding of the game is very good.”
Especially coming off the bench, Sands’ soccer IQ will be vital. He will need to take the temperature of the match and decide what the game is in need of.
While Sands won’t challenge Miller for the starting job, there is no doubt that he will play a valuable role. The 24-year-old will ensure that the 16-year-old isn’t overworked and also help him mature as a pro.
Is it just me, or is Polster the designated Porter cheerleader ?
As sad as I am that DeJuan Jones is gone, this is probably the best scenario for the Revs if that had to happen. This plus seeing DeJuan Jones get a goal for Columbus already and seeming to prove his value, makes me wonder if it might end up being a good trade for both parties.