Coach. Leader. Psychologist. Math Teacher. Caleb Porter’s list of analogies continues on as the Club’s head coach delved into the culinary world when describing Robinho’s attributes.
“I think he brings just a little bit of spice to the game,” Porter said on after having a chance to get acclimated with one of the Crew’s latest acquisitions.
Porter’s been open about his desire to play a heavy-possession game, but also a style that is encouraged to play more direct than what Columbus supporters have seen in years past. In the tactical variation Porter & Co. look to bring, Robinho's speedy skillset is another tool in the arsenal.
“He brings something a little bit different to what I would view as the winger/wide-attacking midfielder position,” Porter said.
“First of all, I like to have options on the wings because I think a lot of your tactical variation comes through different player profiles and their strengths that they bring. And I like to have different profiles on the wings.”
Due to its flexible nature, the winger position is a key focus for Porter. Of those tactics, Robinho’s speed and directness is more conducive to playing wider, allowing him to penetrate and create runs behind. To Porter, if the winger proves comfortable in pockets, that opens up the option of creating overloads and looking for combination play, thus creating opportunities for Columbus' wingbacks to overlap and provide crosses.
Since being acquired on Jan. 18, it’s been a smooth adaptation process, according to Robinho.
“It’s a different type of work that I do here, but I think I am adapting well,” Robinho said. “Having Artur, who is also Brazilian, has helped me a lot. It’s very intense, it’s a lot of hard work, but I would say overall that I’m adapting well.”
For Robinho, Artur has been an important piece in the transition process.
“So overall, obviously, we speak the same language because we are athletes so that helps…but having him here helps me a lot because, on the field he tells me how we need to play, what formations we are using,” Robinho said. “And then off the field, he’s made me feel at home in case I have any questions, so it’s been great to have him.”
Robinho’s self-assessment of his playing style is geared toward providing a speedy attacking option, as well as a hardworking defender who can be a threat on the counter.
“I attack well, I bring attacking skills, I’m a good dribbler, I bring speed,” Robinho said. “I think that overall I’m good in the attack, but also I can help when it comes to marking people because I’m quick so I can help on the defense. I can also help when we’re on the counter-attack, I can go on a breakaway and score. So if you ask me to define my style of play as a player, I would say that it’s dribbling well, speed, providing assists, and also being able to score when needed. I’m here to help the team, especially on the counter-attack, I think I do well.”
Though he hasn’t had much time to interact with the fans during a busy preseason schedule, the new Crew member spoke about the welcoming and looks forward to seeing people at MAPFRE Stadium and in the community.
“It’s made me very happy to see [the fans' welcoming], especially when you’re someone that’s on the field, seeing them outside as a player, it makes you happy to see what they’re doing. I haven’t had a chance to interact with them, but I look forward to doing that.”
The Crew family reunion begins on March 2 at MAPFRE Stadium, as the Black & Gold host the New York Red Bulls in the season opener for a 4:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
