Who is new Chelsea defender Matt Miazga?

Kristan Heneage 11:39 05/02/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • New Chelsea new boy Matt Miazga could be a replacement for outgoing skipper John Terry.

    As he stood in front of the camera, an excited look on his face, you could sense Matt Miazga was a little bit nervous. His first interview after signing a professional contract with the New York Red Bulls, this was a proud moment for the youngster.

    “It’s going to be a dream come true when I step on that field,” he said, smiling. “It’s a dream come true now, but when I get on that field it’s a whole other level.”

    Born in Clifton, New Jersey, some 20 minutes from Red Bull Arena, the youngster joined the club’s academy in 2009. The son of Polish parents, Miazga’s dual nationality has in some part helped  facilitate a transfer to England with Chelsea.

    Described by then sporting director Andy Roxburgh as ‘one of the brightest prospects in his position in the US’, Miazga instantly stuck out during academy games.

    Blessed with size, strength and power, he was much more than simply an athlete exploiting his physical advantages. Comfortable on the ball, he could involve himself in intricate build up play just as easily as he could hit a raking pass across the field to a teammate.

    Afforded the chance to attend college, it seemed that would be Miazga’s route into professional soccer. Signing a letter of intent with the University of Michigan, he later reneged when the Red Bulls came calling with an offer. An important stage in his career, had he continued with his plan of attending Michigan it is unlikely he would now be training with Chelsea’s first team.

    Yet even with the focused environment of the Red Bulls, few could have predicted the meteoric rise that Miazga has enjoyed. Making his first team debut in 2013, he went on to make just over half a dozen appearances in 2014. On a high, it was not without its difficulties. A rash tackle on the New England Revolution’s Lee Nguyen saw him earn his first red card as a professional – much to the frustration of teammate Thierry Henry.

    Moving into 2015, the thought was he would once again continue his steady progression. Humble and diligent on the training field, the 20-year-old was happy to wait for his chance. However, an injury to defender Ronald Zubar opened a space for Miazga in the starting XI. Growing into the role, he quickly became a vocal member of the team.

    “I communicate a lot with other defenders; I want to be more of a leader,” he said in an interview last year.

    Impressing on the field with his play, his maturity did not go unnoticed by his coach. Employing a ‘leadership council’ consisting of first team players, the group are expected to deal with any squad related issues. Speaking to Sports Illustrated in October last year, coach Jesse Marsch said: “Some of the difficulties of the leadership council are, you’re identifying your leaders early in the year and that can change as the season goes on. Like Matt Miazga is not in that now, but that’s a place I think he belongs.”

    High praise for a man that is still only 20, to watch Miazga last season was to see justification for Marsch’s evaluation. Finding the net just once, (during a 3-1 win over rivals New York City FC) there was far more to gleam from his performance than a goal. Celebrating by mimicking a baseball player, (a subtle dig that NYCFC play at Yankee Stadium) he subdued veteran forward David Villa expertly. Timing tackles well and maintaining his composure during a tense affair, it showed maturity beyond his years.

    However as Miazga will be first to admit, his game still needs refinement. Blessed with enough of the basics to tempt Chelsea into an initial outlay of £3.5million, there is still work to be done. Eager to commit to a tackle, this can often lead him into trouble. For example, his two career dismissals have involved an over-eagerness to win the ball at every opportunity.

    Last season, two bookable offences at home to Orlando City could easily have been avoided. Somewhat unrepentant when speaking to journalists after the game for what he felt were soft bookings, the defender will need to manage his emotions in England. Unsurprisingly he has already spoken of his excitement at working with John Terry. The two are somewhat similar in style and build, meaning the Chelsea legend could prove an important mentor before he departs Stamford Bridge in the summer.

    Included in the Blues Champions League squad, it would be a surprise if the US international saw significant minutes between now and the end of the campaign. Instead he will begin to acclimatise to life in England and the test  of training with some of Europe’s best attackers. A difficult and at times steep learning curve, those who know him well are confident he can adjust. “We’re happy for Matt,” Marsch told Sport360 this week.

    “It’s a great story for Matt [to join Chelsea]. He’s a kid who when you throw him into difficult situations he’s up for the challenge and we saw that all last year. I think he’s going to be a big success there.”

    Recommended