Powers “Very Comfortable” in Defensive Midfield

By Brian Jennings 

Colorado’s Dillon Powers has seen the game from many different spots for the Rapids just this year alone.  The former Rookie-of-the-Year has primarily been used in a central holding spot or even out wide.  But, the versatile Powers has now seen action next to Captain Sam Cronin in defensive midfield and is adapting well so far. 

“The position requires some different work-nothing I’m not used to,” Powers told Voice of C38.  “I feel very comfortable.  It requires a little bit more defensive discipline and definitely a better partnership with the guy beside you to take care of business in midfield.  I think those two guys set the tone for the rest of the team.” 

Cronin and Michael Azira have indeed set the tone up to now as ball-winning, hard-tackling, all-out-hustling midfield players sitting just behind the three attacking mids and in front of Colorado’s center backs.  The position is key in Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni’s game plan and one in which Powers has looked relaxed and able to deal with well in the last two matches.  “That’s a big part of that position is reading the game and communicating to your teammates.  I’ve just tried to affect the game as much as possible defensively and get on the ball as much as I can offensively.” 

The D-mid position in Colorado’s 4-2-3-1 can also be looked at as an extension of the back four in that they have to be tuned in to what’s ahead and behind them at all times.  “It’s very mental. You have to be ahead of the game, you have to think because you might see something and by the time you see it it’s too late to affect the play,” admits Powers.  

  

“You have to constantly be thinking one step ahead on both offense and defense. There’s some room to grow as far as communication and putting guys in spots and reading the game and making good tackles but I can grow into that,” Powers says confidently but not cocky at all. 

As far as keeping Colorado in its lofty position within the Western Conference, Powers says continuing to focus on what’s been working well will be key, as will not becoming complacent.  “At this point it’s about continuing to execute the game plan.  That’s what’s going to take us over the top is to hold that good team shape and good team spirit, fighting for one and other, and having guys step up and make plays.”  

Players like Marlon Hairston, Shkelzen Gashi, and Dominique Badji have been those guys giving the relentless Kevin Doyle options and also distractions to free up the attack for each other.  “We’ve found some success when we have our guys wide and in behind.  I think that’s really important for us going forward to continue to stretch the field and get runs in behind,” added Dillon.  “I still think we have a little ways to go as far as consistently being able to affect games and create chances, but I feel really comfortable in this group.”   

“Whoever is in the front four to affect the game offensively, and that’s where our defense starts as well, is real important,” Powers explains.  That has been key for the Rapids in that no one shuts off when the opponent has possession.  “A big part of the reason we’ve had success this year is we’ve been able to defend with all those guys.  If we’re going to have success into the playoffs we’re going to have to continue to do that.”   

Our effort has been there every game.  That’s the reason we’ve been hard to break down because we’ve been very good defensively, everyone’s worked very hard, the team unity is there. 

  

It’s nice to have a good understanding up there because if their shape isn’t right we can’t step to press.  That’s a communication thing.  That’s stuff that as guys get more familiar with different roles you just figure out on the field.