Carles Gil being named the 2021 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player was a reminder of what we all know: The playmaker is special.
Watch any game and you’ll likely see Gil dangle an opponent with his footwork or split the defense with a pass. These moments soon appear as souvenir gifs of Gil’s greatness.
Like most, Bruce Arena was afar when he first took note of Gil’s unique talent.
Gil was brought to New England at the start of 2019 by then head coach Brad Friedel. This is when Arena got his first glimpse at the player who would become his reliable No.