Coach Mike Petke and Tim Cahill have hinted at a few changes to shake the Red Bulls out of their road woes and their scoring slump. One of those changes could well be Bradley Wright-Phillips.
Whether the speedy newcomer – who just got his P-1 visa a week ago – makes his debut Sunday at Chivas USA or against D.C. United, it seems clear his pace and ability to get behind the defense are traits the Red Bulls sorely need.
“We need to maybe inject something different, maybe a bit of pace, a bit of flair,’’ said Tim Cahill. “I think tactical changes will play a big part on the weekend, and individuals.’’
Coach Mike Petke hasn’t committed to using Wright-Phillips, much less starting him. But while fellow newcomer David Carney won’t even suit up, Wright-Phillips have shown enough already and proven fit enough to make the trip to LA.
“It’s about Bradley getting completely fit, which he’s getting close I believe,’’ said Petke. “He’ll be with the team this weekend. Whether he starts has not been determined yet. But he’s definitely an option for sure, and give him one more week he’ll be fully fit and fully engrained in the team.’’
Whenever that happens, Wright-Phillips – instantly the fastest player on the team – will provide speed they haven’t had since Dane Richards, and a threat to get in behind the defense they haven’t seen since Luke Rodgers. Thierry Henry worked well with the latter stretching the field, and Wright-Phillips – whether he plays up front or on the right flank – hopes to have a similar impact.
“The most important thing is the three points. But I’d love to get out there on the pitch and make my debut,’’ said Wright-Phillips. “(Petke) has told me before he’s going to look at me on the wing or up front. Wherever he wants me to go, I’ll go out there and do my best….I’d like to think I could add some pace and a bit of guile. The wingers are very good, I just have to wait me time see where I can play
“I know (Henry) likes to come deep. He has the ability to come deep, get the ball, make things happen. I like to run in behind and Fabian (Espindola) is the same. Pegy (Luyindula) likes to come deep, but I like to run in behind the defender and get one on one with the keeper, so I feel playing up front that’s what I bring, that’s what I try to do, make runs in behind the defenders.’’