In the final minutes of the New York Red Bulls 2-0 victory over Toronto FC back in May, a then 18-year old academy product John Tolkin with a mullet came on to make his MLS debut. Since then, Tolkin, now 19 and with blonde hair, hasn’t looked back. If anything, he’s excelled and is now one of the first names on the team sheet.
His latest achievement was a new personal milestone, his first MLS goal in the crucial 1-0 victory over Columbus Crew Wednesday night. The goal was made sweeter by the fact that Tolkin started it all by switching the play to Kyle Duncan. From there, the teenager darted into the box and received a neat pass by Fabio and cut-back to his right foot before going five-hole on Eloy Room and scoring. It was intricate, easy on the eye and the kind of play that hasn’t been seen in a while. The crowd rose to its feet and applauded the kid as he celebrated a moment he’ll never forget.
On scoring goal, Tolkin says “to be honest, I thought why not take a gamble. I barely ever get forward like this so I’ll take a shot.” #RBNY
— Ben Cork (@corkinho) August 19, 2021
The young American has risen to become one of the best young talents in MLS and its country’s player pool. While his USMNT debut may not happen sooner than later, you just know it’s bound to happen.
John Tolkin, the best thing to happen this Red Bulls season
His performance against the reigning MLS Cup champions is the sort that helped get the Red Bulls out of the winless streak they were in. As well as scoring, according to FotMob, Tolkin amassed three key passes, 12 recoveries and an interception. That’s impressive when you know he started the season at left-back, but it’s more splendid as he’s been inserted into midfield recently.
Tolkin has actually played in midfield before in the reserves. That versatility is what is required, especially given the recent injuries and squad rotation due to multiple games every week. And the qualities he brings to the midfield? Well for starters, a left-footer in midfield never goes out of style. The young man is tidy in possession, and has now shown the gumption to get in the box and create a scoring chance.
In an interview with American Soccer Now, Tolkin talked about what he’s learned.
“What I’ve learned the most is taking it day by day and then just as far as on the field, being confident,” Tolkin said. “I think when you’re confident you don’t think about doing things wrong, you don’t overthink the things you do well, and it keeps me levelheaded.. That’s kind of what I’ve stuck to since I was young. And that’s kind of what I’m still doing right now. And I think it’s working for me.”
It sure is. Tolkin has put himself in a position to raise his profile in one of the original franchises in MLS. He’s been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise up-and-down season. He’s part of a new young core as the youngest team in the league. Tolkin will be important in helping the Red Bulls make a playoff push. Something tells me, Red Bulls number-47 jersey sales will soar.
