Were you able to enjoy the long Labor Day weekend? After enjoying the added day to our weekend, it’s time to get back to writing. It’s only fitting we take a look at some of the hardest-working players for the New England Revolution.
Let’s count them down.
No. 5 – New England Revolution midfielder Lucas Maciel Felix (Maciel)
In his limited time helping out the squad this year, Maciel has matched a few of his teammates in a few stat lines. In duels, Maciel is matching players like Kaptoum and Borrero at around a total of 70. Wilfrid Kaptoum has 300 more minutes compared to the young Brazilian midfielder.
A consistent way that Maciel outperforms the others on his team is through completed passes. His possession-based plays tend to lend to an easier process of moving the ball up the field. Between this year and the last, he has performed around a 90 percent pass accuracy per FBRef.
This year, his pass accuracy puts him at the top of the team in that regard. His hard work to keep possession is what puts him at the 5th spot for me.
No. 4 – New England Revolution midfielder Tommy McNamara
McNamara is one of the most underrated midfielders in the MLS currently. After Sunday, he now boasts three goals and three assists in around 2,000 minutes. His effort with passes and progressive dribbling earns a top-five spot in this list.
Tommy is able to boast just about 1,500 progressive dribbling yards in complete control. He keeps the ball safe while picking out his next pass. His teammates trust him, as should anyone looking at his statistics.
The Brown University graduate is able to complete passes that analytically, he shouldn’t. Per every 100 passes this year (which he has over 1,000), the center midfielder completes 1.41 passes more than he should, per American Soccer Analysis. McNamara keeps the midfield moving while keeping himself in the action as well.
No.3 – New England Revolution midfielder, forward Justin Rennicks
While the homegrown striker hasn’t seen the field much, Justin Rennicks works harder than a lot of other players on the team. Justin has scored two goals in the 700 minutes across 10 starts and five subs.
If you take a moment to watch Rennicks’ movement, he’s always shifting his running lane to receive the ball. If he isn’t in a position to score, he still makes a run, that can help pull defenders to allow other players. His consistent movement forces defenders to have to keep guessing about the run he will make.
Also, while off the ball, Justin is sure to provide defensive pressure in the attacking third. His pressures during his time on the field rival the outside backs who have played in almost all games this year. With the major injuries to attackers this year, Justin’s effort has been pivotal to keeping the team progressing offensively.
No. 2- New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil
I won’t lie and say that this position in the Top 5 isn’t a toss-up between No.1 and No. 2 switching places. The captain of the New England Revolution deserves the No.1 spot for what he can do with his feet on the field. His current goal contributions have reached 19 this year. He tops the league with 97 key passes throughout his 29 games played.
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Beyond his obvious attacking prowess, the maestro for the Revs is also a help to the defensive core of the team. Carles is top three in successful pressures on the team. As well, he is also top 10 on the team in tackles won.
He was the team MVP last year and deserves a shout for it this year. His ability on the ball makes it look like he doesn’t have to work hard. His work rate won’t allow him to stop until the ball is won back.
No. 1- New England Revolution goalkeeper Đorđe Petrović
When it was decided that Matt Turner would be sold to Arsenal in the summer, a lot of people were worried about the Revs goalkeeper situation.
Then, Petrović was announced as his replacement. No one knew what Đorđe would mean to this team at this point in the season.
Needless to say, the young goalkeeper is making a statement. His goalkeeping has saved ties from turning into losses on more than one occasion. He has kept a clean sheet seven times this season, after joining the team 16 games ago.
His save percentage is second only to the ever-present Andre Blake, who has almost twice the minutes this year. The Revs No.1 saved three penalty kicks already in his first season in MLS.
There’s no doubt the Serbian shot-stopper is one of the hardest workers on the field. He’s survived 1440 minutes while making 65 saves. Pedro Gallese has played in 1000 more minutes than Petro and made the same amount of saves. No wonder people are all aboard the Petrovoz.