Andrew Farrell has high hopes for young CB’s

Compared to the 2020 season, Andrew Farrell has been able to play with some new faces this season. New England’s back four appears to set for the future.

While last year Revolution fans saw Henry Kessler line up next to Farrell for a majority of the games, this season Kessler has split time with Jon Bell.

Kessler had quite the offseason getting to play for the United States U-23’s in Olympic Qualifying. While the stars and stripes failed to qualify, Kessler showed that he had improved on the ball and did a much better job dealing with pressure.

But when Kessler came back to the Revs it took him some time to readjust to New England’s style of play. Bruce Arena even said that was the case himself. This allowed for Bell to get some playing time.

Bell has appeared in five games while gaining four starts. The center back was able to secure the first goal of his MLS career and has looked rather well next to Farrell.

Kessler on the other hand has made eight appearances while starting six games. The former Virginia defender got off to a rough start but has looked much calmer and composed in recent games.

Speaking to the media, Farrell talked about what it is like to play with Kessler and Bell.

The veteran center back said, “They both bring their differences to the game. Both great players. I think down the road those guys are the future. I think they both have a future with the national team and Best XI-type caliber players. They’re really, really good and they each have their own thing. JB [Jon Bell] with his left foot, that helps being on the left side. He’s so athletic and really physical, can make plays with his pace. He can play tight, he can play up in space. And then Kessler, good leader. Talking, he’s good with both feet, gets stuck into tackles, got good recovery pace, is tall. Both of them are good in the air. It’s nice to play with guys like that. They both make you play better and keep you on your game.”

With the 29-year-old preparing to make his 250th regular season appearance, New England appears to have a great combination of veteran experience and fresh new faces in the back four.

So New England Revolution fans will be excited about the future with how well Bell and Kessler are playing. It looks like even if they lose some players in the upcoming seasons, defensively New England should be alright.