Alhassan Yusuf has been struggling to earn starts but now might be playing himself into the starting XI.

Yusuf has shown the versatility to do whatever is asked of him. Instead of his usual defensive midfield role, he played a bit wider while Jackson Yueill and Brooklyn Raines played as more central options.

Obviously, scoring the game-winning goal is a reason for praise, but the Nigerian did so much more. He completed 43 of his 50 passing attempts (20 of 26 into the opposition half), recorded 71 touches, and had 20 carries. Additionally, he had 10 defensive contributions and won nine of 13 duels.

After the match, coach Michael Morris noted that Yusuf's versatility and overall ability has made him integral to the 2026 squad.

“[Alhassan] Yusuf was amazing today in my opinion," Morris said. "We started him up on the left hand side because we know we get a lot of defensive ability from him when we're defending from the front. But some of the plan was to try to occupy different spaces between the midfield and opponent's back line, and to bring him in as essentially an extra midfielder. And then, because of his versatility, like you saw today, we were able to drop him down another line when Jackson [Yueill] had to come out. Yusuf is a fantastic guy, and every single moment that I've been able to work with him, I’ve come to appreciate him that much more day in and day out. He has definitely put himself in a position where he's very integral to what we want to do in terms of in possession, out of possession, and in the multiple positions that he's been able to adapt to and play in so far.”

For Yusuf, where he plays and where he starts the game, doesn't matter. He is just focused on doing the job at hand and trying to help his team secure three points.

“For me, it’s no problem, because it's kind of [a] similar role because I don't stay really wide," Yusuf said regarding his positioning. "I start wide, but then I come inside, and then come back in the middle. So, I think it's kind of the same role.
“It's the coach’s decision, of course," the Nigerian added regarding his playing time. "When you get minutes, you then give everything and try to show that you have something to give. And then, of course, everyone sees, and then you'll get to play.”

When Yusuf is on the field it also helps his teamates across the field. Will Sands noted that when the Nigerian plays in a wider role it helps the club's defensive efforts.

“I love playing with [Alhassan] Yusuf," Sands said. "He does everything you ask of him. When he's playing on the wing, it's good to get him the ball to his feet, and it kind of makes my job a lot easier. He helps out defensively a lot. Then when he shifts inside, he's a very good center midfielder, so it really helps the team because whenever we have kind of a gap, he's there to fill it. He's kind of a jack of all trades, and I'm really happy that he's a part of this team.”

Yusuf is also a great role model for younger players to look up to. He is willing to put in the work on the training ground and his work rate is something that all players should aspire for.

Additionally, the Nigerian has the accolades that add some weight to his guidance. This is a player who has earned call-ups to Nigeria's national team and even scored a goal against FC Barcelona.

For a young midfielder such as Brooklyn Raines, Yusuf is a great role model.

"He's a bit different than our other midfielders," Raines said of Yusuf. He can do both sides, like defensively and attacking. That's something you want from a midfielder, someone who can do it on both sides, really calm under pressure. Great defensive work. I'm kind of learning, trying to do those things like he does."

A lot of times, Yusuf's contributions can go under the radar. What he brings to the team goes beyond what can be measured on a stat sheet.

If Morris believes that Yusuf is integral to what New England does, hopefully Revolution head coach Marko Mitrovic feels the same way. And if so, the Nigerian deserves more starts as New England gets into the heart of the 2026 campaign.