The departure of Liam Ridgewell from the Portland Timbers opened a new chapter in the Portland Timbers backfield. For the native of Bexleyheath, England it was time to call it quits in Rose City.
This opened the doors and possibilities to compete for a starting spot for both Bill Poni Tuiloma and Julio Cascante. In addition, of the Timbers operatives going hard at work to find the ideal substitute for Ridgy in Center Back.
As the Portland Timbers wiz in its General Manager Gavin Wilkinson, he immediately found the answer to his squad dilemma. The arrival of Claude Dielna acquired thanks to GAM (General Allocation Monies) from the New England Revolution.
Still the hole left by Ridgewell will be one hard task to fulfill for these players, still I do not discard their efforts and hard work that can deliver an unforgeable campaign in the end!
However, the arrival of Dielna does not assure him a starting spot, opening the door to an all-around contest in the defensive backfield. The center back or central defenders are one of the most important of positions in any squad defensive scheme.
For manager Giovanni Savarese as stated that in this campaigns everyone is to compete for a starting spot. As many expect him to repeat the formation that in the end of last year gave him many triumphs. In the 4-2-3-1 formation, for sure the competition will step up the competition internally to see who will seize the number two and six spots.
With last year players making a return in Bill Poni Tuiloma, Julio Cascante both used as substitutes and unmovable starter Larry’s Mabiala. This brings up an interesting reunion after these in the past played together and against for both Larry’s Mabiala and Claude Dielna.
So far, as everyone is showing his happy side by returning to the preseason camp. This is something that Julio Cascante and Bill Tuiloma have expressed. As both players making a number of goals and seeing the opportunity of getting a chance of a starting position.
In addition of both players looking forward to improve their game and develop it in order to catch the attention of their manager Giovanni Savarese. Claude Dielna after looking forward to take advantage of the opportunity the Portland squad gave him.
By coming to a big team a proven winner in his little English, the man desires is to take over a new role as center back in being its leader. Still he is aware that a starting spot for sure will come with a price among his teammates entering in a competitive state.
For Larrys Mabiala, Claude Dielna, Julio Cascante and Bill Tuiloma in this foursome we will see a stiff competition among them but a healthy one in the end. This for sure will step up the quality of the Portland Timbers defensive game and assuring whoever starts as keeper a tranquil afternoon.
