Back in January, Ali Curtis maintained that one of the goals for the upcoming season would be to “keep the core intact.” Undoubtedly, that includes one of the best central midfield trios in MLS: Dax McCarty, Felipe, and Sacha Kljestan.
With McCarty and Felipe signing contract extensions, and Kljestan with time still remaining on his, that core three is certainly intact; and will continue to threaten from first kick.
“For sure all three are going to play a big role this year,” Jesse Marsch said.
Last year, they played one of the biggest roles in the whole league. In terms of touches, all three players were in the top four (Dax: 2775, Kljestan: 2514, Felipe: 2449). The amount of passes that came off those touches was also top four in the league for all three (Dax: 2279, Kljestan: 1874, Felipe 1861).
Over and over, Dax, Kljestan, and Felipe either found themselves on the end of, in the middle of, or creating the important plays throughout the Red Bulls' most important games.
Also, if it comes down to handball in any of the games this season, Kljestan will be one of the best at that too.
