VANCOUVER, B.C. – Strong squad depth is often a key component for clubs that harbor hopes of lifting the MLS Cup. After an offseason of roster readjustment at center back, Vancouver Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson now finds himself with just that depth in his pool of five central defenders.
That brings the tough job of deciding which two will start. With more than a month until the new season kicks off, Robinson has told his squad that those roles are very much there to be won during their preseason training camp.
"I don't pick my team on Day 1," Robinson told reporters at training. "I pick my team on March 6, and I've said that to them all. It'll be based upon them. They'll say that I have the final decision, I pick the team, and I do, but it'll be based on how well they do in preseason. No team is picked yet, and as long as they know that, then they'll come to work."
Kendall Waston (pictured above) looks to be all but assured one of the starting spots following the Costa Rican's impressive performances after joining the Whitecaps late last season. Who will partner him is up for grabs.
Recently-signed veteran Pa Modou Kah and Uruguayan Diego Rodriguez look to be leading the way, while MLS SuperDraft pick Tim Parker comes to Vancouver highly rated and keen to impress.
"I know Kah's character; I know what he's about," Robinson said. "The leadership he's going to bring to the table is going to be important to us. Diego's very calm, he's got a cultured left foot, he plays very simple. The football fundamentals that you need when you're a defender, Diego's got. He enjoys defending, and he enjoys putting his body on the line."
While the new faces may be garnering the attention, last year's SuperDraft selection, Christian Dean, also hopes to be in the mix for a starting spot. Dean is coming off of his first senior US national team camp and had offseason training spells in the United Kingdom with Liverpool and Rangers, where he impressed.
- Find more 'Caps coverage at WhitecapsFC.com
"I spoke with Christian, and I told him, 'The ball's in your court,'" Robinson said. "He's just been away with the national team, and he's done very well. Christian [also] had two training stints, and he's come back and he realizes what he needs to do. He needs to get into our team this year. It's a big year for him."
Vancouver's center back options are certainly plentiful, and fans can expect to see several different pairing throughout the season. Each one will have the same tough, aggressive characteristics, however. Robinson is fully aware that with that style of play will come yellow cards and, eventually, suspensions, but he does not want them to play any other way.
"I'm not worried about that, because I don't want to take the strengths out of their game," Robinson said. "One of their main strengths is their aggression and physicality. You look at the successful teams in this league, and they've got physical center backs, and I think it's the first time we can say that we have now as well."
