MLS season is well underway, and it is safe to say New England Revolution have gotten off to a slow start.
Prior to Revolutions game with Atlanta United, just one win from New England’s opening six game in the MLS leaves the side tenth out of twelve sides in the MLS.
However, as the fixtures come thick and fast, there is every reason why you should check them out in the live betting markets as Brad Friedel is looking to draw on English Premier League inspiration to bring Revolution out of the doldrums.
Two of Brad Friedel’s squad have played in England’s top flight and followed in the footsteps of their manager.
Friedel himself is a household name in the English game having played for the likes of Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur in England’s premier league competition and he clearly wants his squad to follow suit.
So, who are the two players who can make a real difference to Revolutions season by drawing on their Premier League inspiration?
Michael Mancienne
English defender Michael Mancienne was set to become the next big thing when he emerged out of the Chelsea youth team in 2006.
However, the now 31-year-old managed just four Premier League games for the Blues and spent most of his five years at the club out on loan at QPR and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
After leaving Chelsea for good in 2011, Mancienne made his way over to Germany to play for Bundesliga side Hamburg where he became an important member of the squad over the next three seasons.
After returning to England in 2014 with former European Champions Nottingham Forest, the talented defender went on to make close to 100 league appearances for the side affectionately known as the ‘Tricky Trees’.
Although Mancienne never quite fulfilled his potential across the pond, his talent is undeniable and if Revolution are going to start launching up the table, Mancienne’s experience could prove pivotal.
Carlos Gil
Spaniard Carlos Gil came to Revolution as the ‘designated player’ and is the man Friedel has been searching for.
Able to play in attacking midfield or as an out and out striker, Gil has hit the ground running in the MLS with three goals in his first six games.
Despite still only being 26-years-of -age, Carlos Gil has seen plenty of action on the pitch having played in Spain, England and now the US.
Initially Gil was part of the Valencia youth setup and made eight La Liga appearances for his home club (scoring once) before heading to Elche on loan.
However, in 2015, Gil headed to England to play for Aston Villa.
Unfortunately, it was just at the time when the Villans were on a downward spiral that would eventually end in relegation to England’s second tier.
A loan move to Deportivo La Coruna was secured in 2016 and in 2018 the deal was made permanent.
However, after just 18 league appearances, Gil found himself on a plane over the Atlantic heading to Boston to sign for Revolution.
And the rest is history… So far anyway!