As we approach these coming weeks, we should see the return of some vital players in our side, most playing in the front line. But their absences have meant we’ve played a few out of position and a few we’d generally keep in our reserves.
So while Paulo Jr., Arturo Alvarez, and Fabian Espindola have been busy depleting our front line, bless their souls, we’ve been giving the likes of Luis Gil, Artur Aghasyan, and Jean Alexandre some vital time on the pitch, and sure, it could have come under better conditions, this could have some very real impact over the next few years.
If we can hold on to the likes of youngster Luis Gil instead of letting them ship off to Europe to play in reserve squads (sorry, Freddy … and Robbie), we could have a very effective player on our hands. While it may have been better in some respects to play him in his preferred midfield position, the versatility and awareness crafted out by playing him out of position will be invaluable to his development.
Artur Aghasyan has yet to look like a player who will stay at the club for long, but if he can slot into our system and perform, these early games in his RSL career might make the difference between being a bench player we ship off at the end of the season and a player who could make a deal of difference.
Jean Alexandre got a chance for some vital playing time at his age, which can’t be overlooked. His way into the team was through the forward line, and he’s been moderately impressive and a real lifesaver in a few matches. His tackling needs some work, certainly, and hopefully he can sort out his moments of madness. He may not turn into Mean Jean the Goal-Scoring Machine, but maybe he’ll turn into a very useful midfielder with attacking quality.
So while this recent run of bad form has been frustrating, and we all hope we’re in the clear now, perhaps it’ll be looked on at as a momentary blip in a title-winning season. We’re certainly capable, and we will never get there without a squad with depth. These last two months may prove the changing point for some of those players who otherwise wouldn’t see more than a game — and if it does, our season, our players, and we fans will be the unmistakable benefactors.
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