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The New England Revolution are coming off a disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals. The only way they can be pleased with their performance in 2021 is by making the MLS Cup Finals.
New England actually improved their squad with the acquisitions of Arnór Traustason, Christian Mafla, and Wilfrid Kaptoum. The Revs also have key players like Matt Turner, Henry Kessler, and Tajon Buchanan along with DP’s Carles Gil and Gustavo Bou returning to the squad.
New England Revolution in 2020: 8-8-7, 8th in Eastern Conference, Knocked out in Eastern Conference Finals
Head Coach: Bruce Arena
Key additions in 2021: Wilfrid Kaptoum, Christian Mafla, Arnór Traustason, Ema Boateng, A.J. DeLaGarza, and Earl Edwards Jr.
Key losses in 2021: Alexander Buttner, Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen, Kelyn Rowe, and Cristian Penilla
Projected Best XI in 2021: (4-2-3-1) Matt Turner; Christian Mafla; Henry Kessler; Andrew Farrell; Tajon Buchanan; Wilfrid Kaptoum; Matt Polster; Arnór Traustason; Gustavo Bou; Carles Gil; Adam Buksa
Reasons to be worried about the New England Revolution in 2021:
The main problem for New England is that there are plenty of what if’s to worry about before the season. What if Adam Buksa can’t figure things out in his second MLS Season? What if the Christian Mafla struggles at left back? What if Wilfrid Kaptoum can’t stay healthy?
There’s also the question of the new acquisitions fitting in. Major players like Mafla barely got any action in preseason while Kaptoum and Traustason have yet to play for the Revolution. While these acquisitions have the potential to help out New England, they will have to learn on the fly in 2021.
Why the New England Revolution are worth watching in 2021:
The main attraction has to be Carles Gil. Now that he is healthy, Revolution fans will likely be treated to a full season of great play from the Spaniard.
Gil is the guy that ignites New England’s attack with his ball distribution and skill. When he is at the top of his game, the 28-year-old is one of the best players in MLS.
In preseason Gil has continued to look great and seems to have particularly great chemistry with Gustavo Bou. These two could become one of the most dangerous duos in all of MLS.
Also, Matt Turner returns after a great offseason that saw him get his first start in net for the United States Men’s National Team. If Turner plays as well as he did in 2020, he should win the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award with ease.
New England can compete for an MLS Cup and in 2021 they very well could be the ones lifting a trophy at the end of the year. It’s a season that fans won’t want to miss.