APRIL 22, 2018 – PORTLAND, OR: Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastián Blanco (10) dribbles past New York City FC defender Anton Tinnerholm (3) during the Portland Timbers 3-0 victory over the New York City FC on April 22, 2018 at Providence Park, Portland, OR (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
The way Sebastian Blanco is playing lately in the course of this campaign it seems as if the man is possessed. So far, the Andean is displaying a one of kind game in every match by way of taking charge in every play and playing with an all-around dynamism and initiative. For manager Giovanni Savarese he has found a new leader in the field joining forces with his compatriot Diego Valeri.
So far, Sebastian Blanco is leading the Timbers in various categories. That tells you the kind of campaign the man from Argentina is having. So far with 18 shoots overall, nine shots on goal and four goals scored, all team bests. Still with more matches to go and with the month of May being a challenging one with back-to-back matches that are considered crucial his timing appears to be perfect. The Cascadia Derby against Seattle at home and then newcomers LAFC both matches in Providence Park will be difficult fixtures for Portland. Having a player of Blanco’s caliber with no doubt will rise to the occasion and lead his squad into notable wins.
With the levels of confidence showing off and he is displaying in every match, Blanco is one that gets his squad all riled up in the attack. Not only offensively but defensively the man has shown an all-around leadership in all matches and especially against Minnesota and NYCFC. He plays a valuable role in exposing in opponent’s flaws, which in turn yields many positive results. If he continues with this game we may have a repeat of another Timber as league MVP. For now, the man is delivering and getting his teammates on board despite of him not wearing the Captains armband. However, his experience is doing the talking, leading by example and always working.
Take a look at last Sunday’s match against New York City FC. Against NYCFC Blanco would at times take the entire NYCFC defense with him, creating havoc in Patrick Vieira’s backfield. While he only had two clear attacking chances that did not deter him from displaying his top of the line game and creating opportunities for his teammates. In his role in the offensive attack he and Valeri are the one-two that starts the attack and, when necessary, finishes it.
In addition, we have two leaders and orchestrators that for sure are making this squad thrive and get into its winning rhythm in the remainder of the campaign. Still for Blanco it is business as usual and with total humbleness after every match he is planning ahead his next encounter, being this one of his traits. As every game the Portland squad plays Blanco’s name is always prominently featured in the headlines. As well focused and poised to deliver many satisfactions to his squad in this 2018.
In this campaign manager Savarese, has worked with several formations and by far Sebastian Blanco has adapted easily to each one of them. Having a consistent partner in Valeri has also helped. The two have become the Timbers dynamic duo and the hope is that their leadership will continue throughout 2018. Playing at home or away Blanco’s game always sets the tone in every match. So hail to PTFC’s new leader!
MLS
Portland
