We continue our look at Real Salt Lake’s 2021 roster with a look at the midfield. The engine room for Real Salt Lake is among its deepest positions on the roster, with several players offering different dynamics to the pitch.
Midfielders
Nick Besler (27) – Started in six of his 12 appearances in 2020 and quietly has amassed 51 MLS appearances since joining RSL’s roster in 2018. Captained the Monarchs to the USL Regular Season Shield in 2017.
Damir Kreilach (32) – Led RSL with eight goals in 2020 to bring his totals to 26 goals and 14 assists in three MLS seasons. A versatile big-game player who has come through in crucial moments for RSL.
Everton Luiz (32) – The midfield destroyer was limited to 11 starts in 2020 because of injury.
Justin Portillo (28) – Started in the season opener and added key depth, making five total appearances including three as a starter in his second MLS season.
Pablo Ruiz (22) – Burst onto the scene with a thundering goal against Seattle on Sept. 2 in his breakout season in 2020. Finished with 18 appearances and 15 starts, with one goal and one assist.
Albert Rusnak (26) – Finished 2020 with three goals and two assists to bring his career totals to 30 goals and 28 assists in 104 appearances over four MLS seasons. Will likely miss time while playing with Slovakia in the UEFA European Championships and World Cup Qualifiers.
Freddy Juarez’s take: “We’ve done a good job in the midfield with good quality. We have ball-recovery guys, good passing range, finishers … there is going to be competition in there. There is going to be a good, committed group in there as well. There are some finer details that we are working on as far as spacing and movement off the ball and rotations that were maybe lacking a bit last year, but we believe the center of the park is very important and we have some mature, quality players that can help keep us in any game at any given time during the season.”
For the forwards preview, read here.
