FC Tulsa is represented by players from 10 countries who have spent years competing in leagues from across the globe. Whether in domestic or abroad, club or country, they have played against some of the best soccer players in the world.
In this edition of “Ask FC Tulsa,” we polled the team to ask, “Who is the toughest player you have ever played against?” The answers range across the board, but needless to say, you will recognize some names.
Defender Matt Sheldon – Kaká (Orlando City SC)
“He was big, decently strong, extremely technical, always moving around the field, and it felt like he was two or three steps ahead of the defenders at all times.”
Forward Darío Suárez – Carlos Vela (Mexico)
“Todos saben lo que hace cuando tiene la pelota es un fuera de serie.”
Trans. “Everyone knows what he can do with the ball in front of him.”
Defender Kevin Garcia – Carlos Vela (LAFC) or Zlatan Ibrahimović (LA Galaxy)
“Slippery player (Vela). He’s 6’5” and 215 pounds (Ibrahimović).”
Midfielder Ciaran Winters – Giovanni Reyna (USYNT)
“Super-fast and powerful on the ball. Would blow by defenders with ease.”
Keeper Bryan Byars – Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC)
“Very strong and powerful.”
Defender Cyprian Hedrick – David Villa (New York City FC)
“Because he was never in front of you. You spend the whole game trying to find him behind you which caused you to drop your backline. He always started offside on the opposite side of the field the ball was on, and when he wanted, he would check to it. Other than that, he stayed offside to pull the backline further back so the center midfielders had more space and room to play. He needed one chance to score goals. Very clever player.”
Keeper Andrew MacRae – Joe Cole (Tampa Bay Rowdies) or Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC)
“Their experience at such a high level.”
Midfielder Eric Bird – Didier Drogba (Phoenix Rising FC)
“Big, strong, powerful. Very technical, smart, and had a rocket for a shot.”
Keeper Sean Lewis – Darlington Nagbe (Atlanta United FC)
“He is very technical and fast with the ball, his off-the-ball movement is smart and timed well and he is a good finisher.”
Midfielder Lebo Moloto – Bolu Akinyode (Nashville SC)
“His aggressive nature to win/tackle for the ball.”
Defender Callum Chapman-Page – Che Adams (Southampton FC)
“Absolute beast, and got serious tekkers.”
Midfielder Ariel Martínez – Gerardo Torrado (Mexico)
“Porque tenía que pasarlo.”
Trans. “Because you had to get past him.”
FC Tulsa is represented by players from 10 countries who have spent years competing in leagues from across the globe. Whether in domestic or abroad, club or country, they have played against some of the best soccer players in the world.
In this edition of “Ask FC Tulsa,” we polled the team to ask, “Who is the toughest player you have ever played against?” The answers range across the board, but needless to say, you will recognize some names.
Defender Matt Sheldon – Kaká (Orlando City SC)
“He was big, decently strong, extremely technical, always moving around the field, and it felt like he was two or three steps ahead of the defenders at all times.”
Forward Darío Suárez – Carlos Vela (Mexico)
“Todos saben lo que hace cuando tiene la pelota es un fuera de serie.”
Trans. “Everyone knows what he can do with the ball in front of him.”
Defender Kevin Garcia – Carlos Vela (LAFC) or Zlatan IbrahimoviÄ (LA Galaxy)
“Slippery player (Vela). He’s 6’5” and 215 pounds (IbrahimoviÄ).”
Midfielder Ciaran Winters – Giovanni Reyna (USYNT)
“Super-fast and powerful on the ball. Would blow by defenders with ease.”
Keeper Bryan Byars – Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC)
“Very strong and powerful.”
Defender Cyprian Hedrick – David Villa (New York City FC)
“Because he was never in front of you. You spend the whole game trying to find him behind you which caused you to drop your backline. He always started offside on the opposite side of the field the ball was on, and when he wanted, he would check to it. Other than that, he stayed offside to pull the backline further back so the center midfielders had more space and room to play. He needed one chance to score goals. Very clever player.”
Keeper Andrew MacRae – Joe Cole (Tampa Bay Rowdies) or Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC)
“Their experience at such a high level.”
Midfielder Eric Bird – Didier Drogba (Phoenix Rising FC)
“Big, strong, powerful. Very technical, smart, and had a rocket for a shot.”
Keeper Sean Lewis – Darlington Nagbe (Atlanta United FC)
“He is very technical and fast with the ball, his off-the-ball movement is smart and timed well and he is a good finisher.”
Midfielder Lebo Moloto – Bolu Akinyode (Nashville SC)
“His aggressive nature to win/tackle for the ball.”
Defender Callum Chapman-Page – Che Adams (Southampton FC)
“Absolute beast, and got serious tekkers.”
Midfielder Ariel Martínez – Gerardo Torrado (Mexico)
“Porque tenía que pasarlo.”
Trans. “Because you had to get past him.”
