Foxborough, Mass. — Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Lletget and Omar Gonzalez were the three big off-season signings for the New England Revolution. Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was then brought in during the season, with a view to replacing the outgoing Matt Turner. Following on from the Serbian international, another young player has come through the New England door. Dylan Borrero is the freshest face in Foxborough, and he has just spoken to the media for the first time.
Dylan Borrero Talks to the New England Press
Why New England and why MLS?
First and foremost, Dylan Borrero is Colombian and has arrived from Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro. As a result, this press conference was aided by a translator. From an introductory point of view, the now departed Christian Mafla has something in common with Borrero. In his own words: “He’s from my hometown [Palmira, Colombia]. When I learned that the team was looking at bringing me here, I was happy. I think the first thing I saw in the offer was the opportunity to play my style of soccer and play a longer season. That’s what made me want to come here.”
Thank you, Christian Mafla.
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) February 2, 2022
Positivity in a dressing room is obviously key and whilst the Revs’ results are nowhere near perfect, Borrero spoke to the good vibe around the place already. “My first impressions of the team are that it’s a great group that’s always happy, and when there’s happiness, the team enjoys training.”
The winger has only just recently arrived in the country, in fact his “first training session with the team was today. I felt comfortable with the team and I think we’ll have a great season.” There is pressure on him to hit the ground running with a potential lack of attacking impetus beyond Adam Buksa at the moment. At just 20, though, he will be afforded time to adjust in Massachusetts one would assume.
Is Dylan Borrero a Tajon Buchanan Replacement?
Dylan Borrero has drawn a lot of comparisons to Tajon Buchanan, but this may well be a lazy narrative. Buchanan left New England for Belgian side Club Brugge after excelling in his time in MLS, as well as with the Canadian national team. Buchanan tended to operate on the left, and that is where Borrero sees himself at his best. “Well, I think I feel comfortable on the left wing. The trainers have spoken to me about playing that position and I think that’s where I’ll be most comfortable.”
.@TajonBuchanan's past year:
☝️ #CANMNT debut
⚽️ Scored in the Gold Cup semifinal
🏅 Gold Cup Best XI
👏 Gold Cup Young Player Award
🌟 MLS All-Star Game nomination
🏆 Supporters' Shield
🏅 MLS Best XI
🇧🇪 Joined Club Brugge
🍁 Helped Canada to Qatar 2022
🏆 Jupiler Pro League— Anthony Khoury (@AnthonyKhoury4) May 15, 2022
“From the moment I knew I was coming here I talked with [Gustavo] Bou. We’ve talked a lot about the team’s style of play and his style of play, and he’s helped me learn a lot about things here.” Borrero is somewhat of an unknown quantity to fans of the Revolution given his small sample size to date. There is a growing South American contingent at Gillette Stadium and so there is scope for him to gel quickly in the dressing room and on the field.
Borrero spoke to that, saying that “the first thing is to become accustomed to the team and the style of play the coaches want for the team. Learn the styles of play of opposing teams, learn to play at the level of intensity here. I think the intensity is very important. The rest will come after that.” It will be fascinating to see how Borrero adjusts when making this switch from the Brasileiro Serie A to MLS.
A lot of pressure has been heaped onto the shoulders of Dylan Borrero already. The comparisons to Buchanan are particularly prominent and so he has big boots to fill in the eyes of the fans. Petrovic is being eased into the fray but he of course has Matt Turner to compete with. Meanwhile, Borrero is one of a few wingers at the club along with Ema Boateng and Tico Rivera. How will he fare in New England?
