MONTREAL – If Kwadwo Opoku has as much talent as he does charisma, and vice versa, CF Montreal could be well positioned. Whether on or off the field.
After training in the rain at the Nutrilait Center, Opoku met the media in Montreal for the first time on Monday. Even the gloomy weather didn’t get the better of the Ghanaian, who couldn’t help but smile as if he had just won the lottery.
Come to think of it, maybe in a way. Stuck behind big players like Dénis Bouanga and Carlos Vela with Los Angeles FC, Opoku sees his arrival in Montreal as an opportunity to make a breakthrough in his career.
“It’s very good to play with talented players like Carlos and Denis and learn from them. I’m here now to hone my skills. It’s a big step, because you always want to show your abilities. This is an opportunity for me to do that. I feel at home,” said the 21-year-old striker. In Montreal, the welcome I’ve received has been exceptional.”
Arriving in the capital over the weekend, Opoku was able to use the opportunity to reconnect with midfielder Bryce Duke. The two players will reunite with CF Montreal after spending two seasons together in California, in 2020 and 2021.
The two young players were roommates with the Los Angeles club and went on to talk to each other and cement their friendship when Duke moved to Inter Miami CF – and eventually Bleu-blanc-noir – earlier this season.
As an attacking midfielder, Duke was among those who welcomed the acquisition of his close friend last week. He did not hesitate to describe Opoku’s left foot as “crazy”.
The main interested party preferred to moderate expectations a bit, but knows why it was acquired for over $1.6 million USD.
“My left foot is fine,” Opoku said, laughing. All players do their best to help the team win. As a striker, of course my main goal is to score goals. I hope we can score a lot. »
Montreal coach Hernan Losada was impressed by what he saw of his new player during training. However, he did not want to forfeit his first game with the team.
“I had a positive feeling about Opoku and he’s a young man with a lot of energy. He didn’t take part in any training with the ball for six days. If we also count the pressure of changing countries and moving, we’ll be patient with him and we’ll see how he feels on Tuesday,” said the Argentine.
Losada must still be looking forward to seeing Opoku in action on the match. His players have been eliminated in their last three games, including the last two at home, and they are entering a crucial week in which they will face two teams with the same number of points as them in the Eastern Qualifiers race. organized.
Montreal’s offense has struggled creatively in recent games and the forwards have also lacked finishing. Opoku’s offensive qualities can make the job of everyone on the field easier.
“He can do individual work and we’re lacking a little bit of that, especially against teams that close in on spaces and have low defensive mass. You need someone’s work to break that formation down. I hope Opoku can give it to us,” noted Losada.
The addition of Opoku brings snarls to the fore, but in Romell Quioto’s absence, no one necessarily stands out. CF Montreal’s top scorers Quioto and Chinonso Offor have only scored three goals each since the start of the campaign.
Striker Mason Toye is still very happy to see Opoku by his side in training. This is another opportunity to level up your gameplay.
“As a professional you always have to look over your shoulder or want the place of the player in front of you in the squad. You should never be satisfied with your place, because you have to earn it every day,” Tue insisted. We know Hernan is making a lot of changes, so you will get Your chance. It is now whether you can take advantage of it.”
Midfielder Mathieu Choinier is training with the group, but his presence in the starting line-up for Wednesday’s game in Chicago is uncertain. However, Lassi Lapalainen will be out after training alone on Monday.
Losada also announced that Aaron Herrera would join the team in Chicago after its elimination from the Gold Cup tournament. In the same position, Zachary Brault-Gaillard will train with his teammates on Tuesday.
Defenseman Rudy Camacho will miss the game against the Chicago Fire due to a one-match suspension for accumulating yellow cards.
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