Kaptoum ready to put injuries in the “rearview mirror”

Wilfrid Kaptoum is ready to contribute to the New England Revolution after an injury-riddled start to his MLS career.

Kaptoum was expected to be a starter when he signed with the Revs as a free transfer on Dec. 23, 2020. The Barcelona product spent six seasons in Spain before making the move overseas. The transition hasn’t exactly been smooth as the 25-year-old has been a regular on the injury report.

On Saturday, Kaptoum made his third start of the season, playing 67 minutes against Atlanta United. Head coach Bruce Arena said that Kaptoum “played very well in the midfield with Maciel, [Matt] Polster, and [Carles] Gil.”

Kaptoum is hoping for more performances like that in the coming weeks and months.

“It’s a question of adapting to the competition,” Kaptoum said about his recent struggles with injuries. “I know that I’ve had some problems physically, but I’ve left those in rearview mirror. I’m trying to keep improving and do what I need to do to help the team reach its objectives.”

Although Revs fans have only had the opportunity to see Kaptoum in seven regular-season games, his teammates get to see him regularly in practice and they like what they see.

“You can see his qualities,” Tommy McNamara said on Jul. 6. “He’s good on the ball, he’s deceptive with his movements in receiving the ball and getting out of pressure. He presents a different option for us in the midfield, without a doubt.”

Also important is how Kaptoum has been able to integrate into the Revs locker room. McNamara noted that Kaptoum is “very upbeat and positive” while Teal Bunbury said he’s “very easy to get along with.”

Although it hasn’t been an ideal start to his time with the Revs, Kaptoum has been nothing but professional as he looks to help his team contend for an MLS trophy.

“He hasn’t played as much as he’s maybe wanted to this year with injuries and whatnot, but having that good attitude and always coming to training and working his tail off, I think that’s so important,” Teal Bunbury said on Jul. 6. “I think he’s a quality player and I think he adds a lot of depth to this team.”