Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran had an extended appearance on the weekly OnFrame show on ESPN 700 in Salt Lake City on Monday and he talked at length about the transition in the new year, his approach to the accordion of an MLS schedule, Jeff Cassar putting his stamp on the club, the Monarchs and more.
We will profile a few of those topics over the next few days, starting with a look at how he is approaching the 2015 season. Not only is RSL in a new formation that asks more out of the outside backs in the attack, but he also is taking on more of a leadership role. The 27-year-old is now in his eighth MLS season and finds himself now among the savvy veterans that young players call upon for advice.
He is embracing that role though and finds that it helps the team in the move into a new era.
“You see the younger guys who aren’t so young anymore like myself and Schuler that have to take a step forward within the locker room and on the field as well,” he said. “There’s going to be a little bit of a transition period, especially considering that we’re trying to implement a new formation, but it’s an exciting time for RSL. We’ve got some great veteran guys and some really exciting young guys that are ready to take that step forward.”
In the 4-3-3, Beltran’s role changes because of the balance in the midfield. As either outside back presses forward, the help comes from the midfield in the form of Kyle Beckerman and Luis Gil.
“For me, it’s a little bit more of an opportunity to be aggressive. Previously in the diamond, Kyle would often be isolated when we were in the attack,” Beltran said. “Now with Luis playing next to him in that linking midfield role, it gives us the opportunity to be a little more cavalier in the attack and take some more risks because there’s someone there helping Kyle.”
In the next installment, Beltran talks about Head Coach Jeff Cassar’s long-term vision for the club.
