Designated Player Xavier Kouassi learning the Revolution way

Xavier Kouassi isn't able to play but his new team is certainly happy to have him around.

Kouassi signed a Designated Player deal with the New England Revolution on February 1, 2016. The arrangement allowed Kouassi to finish his contract with FC Sion of the Swiss Super League before joining the Revs in July. Unfortunately, the midfielder soon suffered a knee injury that required surgery and would sideline him for a minimum of six months.

In May, Kouassi made a trip to Foxboro to meet the Revolution staff, take some pictures, and pick his number. The 26-year-old would return full-time in July. Since then he's continued his rehab while learning the Revolution way.

"It obviously hurts that he’s not able to play for us yet, but at the same time, love having him around, getting him adjusted, seeing how we do things," head coach Jay Heaps explained. "He’s been here since July, really getting a real glimpse of what we do for film, what we do for preparation, what we do for execution and game plans. I think that’s been really good for him."

Although the Revs would love to have Kouassi on the field, this transition time could prove to be valuable since foreign players often have a hard time adjusting to MLS. The hope is to have Kouassi up to speed before he reaches full health.