(Montreal) The experience is only two games old, but so far it’s conclusive and intriguing.
CF Montreal Vice-President and Chief Sporting Officer Olivier Renard issued a warning after acquiring midfielder Bryce Duke from Inter Miami CF: He had to be better than the other offensive elements of the club to play.
One thing is certain, he hasn’t done worse since his arrival with his new team a week ago.
Of course, the Bleu-blanc-noir’s high number of injuries may work in favor of Duke, but the 22-year-old midfielder did well against D.C. United on Saturday and the Vaughan Azzurri, Tuesday.
Duke, who arrived in Montreal with forward Ariel Lassiter in return for defenseman Kamal Miller and $1.3 million in general allocation money, quickly showed his skills with the ball. He does not lack confidence on the pitch and his creativity is felt.
After only taking part in a few practices with his teammates since his acquisition, Duke seems to be quietly developing a chemistry with them and CF Montreal head coach Hernan Losada has already noted an increase in the level of play. from game to game.
“I think Duke’s performance against D.C. was positive, when there were several teammates he doesn’t know. I saw one more level (against the Vaughan Azzurri) and I believe that he and Lassiter can even give even more,” expressed Losada.
During a press scrum last Thursday, Renard did not hide that he had been watching Duke for several months. Each time, he had been unable to come to an agreement with Inter Miami CF.
Duke had read between the lines and he was aware of the Montreal troupe’s interest in him. However, he had no idea that he was going to change address so quickly, when he had just signed a new contract with Inter Miami CF.
The young midfielder was not targeted for nothing. The Bleu-blanc-noir has struggled to move the ropes and create chances in the final third since the start of the season. He ranks 15th and last in the Eastern Conference in goals scored (three).
It fits directly into the job description of Duke, who has a great opportunity to quickly establish himself as an attacking and creative midfielder within his new formation.
“Coming to a team that believes in you and puts you in your favorite position is always fun,” he said. It’s good to feel wanted and I’m here to take advantage of that. »
And Duke wants to take advantage of that as far as Europe, as other CF Montreal players have done successfully before him.
The Montrealers are returning from a busy off-season in which midfielders Djordje Mihailovic and Ismaël Koné as well as defender Alistair Johnston headed to the Old Continent following paid transfers for the team.
This move to Montreal could be the necessary stepping stone for Duke to achieve his goal.
“I always wanted to go and play in Europe. Montreal is probably what gives the most European feeling through MLS. I have an opportunity here, I want to take advantage of it and head to Europe as soon as possible,” he concluded.
