When it comes to finding players, there is one thing that you can never coach or develop. That my friends, would be speed. You either have it or you don’t.
So with the fourth and fifth picks in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Martin Rennie and his staff went with Kekuta Manneh and Erik Hurtado. And what did the ‘Caps acquire with these two youngsters? Speed.
And that is exactly what we could use.
So as 'Caps fan Bill Pollard said on our Facebook page, "Show me the Manneh!", or in Erik's case, "Show me the E-Money!"
It's time to make it rain.
A CHANGE OF PACE
Last year when Dane Richards played for us on the wing (especially at home), his speed really helped our possession game. It opened things up for the ‘Caps as teams were wary of the threat of balls over the top. That’s what speed can do for you and what Manneh and Hurtado can give us if they are used on the wings.
But when Richards was out of the lineup, or when he was shutdown, there were numerous times when our ‘Caps simply looked like they had run out of ideas going forward. We did not look like creating any chances on goal and there were few options on the bench to change things.
What these two draft picks give Martin Rennie and his staff are more options, a change of pace. Because of this, the team will ultimately be in a position to be more versatile and less predictable.
THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT
Yes, we are talking about two young players whose first priority will simply be to establish themselves in their first MLS season, but they could not be in a better place to fulfill their potential.
I feel that one of Rennie’s great strengths as a coach is the way he handles players and how he teaches. Younger players obviously have more to learn, and the most successful ones are more receptive and eager to be taught their trade.
We know that coach Rennie is big on bringing in character players, so you can bet the work has been done on these two young players to make sure they have the desire and work ethic to take their game to the next level. I really feel this is a great fit that is going to provide a lot of excitement and joy for the team and the Vancouver fans.
You need only to look at the job done with Omar Salgado last year by Rennie and his staff. Salgado looked ready to establish himself as a consistent contributor when he started four games in a row before getting injured. Look also at the way they handled Darren Mattocks and Gershon Koffie, who both had stellar seasons.
IMMEDIATE IMPACT?
Now, will Manneh and Hurtado come into the team and do what Mattocks did last year? Well the answer is that they don’t have to.
We already have a number of pieces in place, experienced players, so there can be a patient approach to easing these players into the lineup.
But when they do get on the field, they will get the chance to show that one quality that really frightens defences, that speed that each has in abundance.
I can’t tell you how excited I am with our new additions. We couldn’t ask for more than to bring in young guys with speed that want to make an impression!!!
Remind you of anybody? ;)
MANNEH HIGHLIGHTS
HURTADO HIGHLIGHTS
