FCdallas.net had the opportunity to sit down with Arturo Alvarez to ask him about his strong beginning in training camp, what he will bring to the left midfield position and his relationship with Richard Mulrooney.
FCdallas.net:
What can you tell us following your first three weeks with FC Dallas?
Arturo Alvarez:
"I feel great. I think I am adapting really quickly to the new environment and I am starting to get to know all my teammates. We just had our first trip of the year (Florida), which has helped us start a bond as a team and has made sure that everybody is on the same page for the season."
FCdallas.net:
You played well in your two matches with the team in Florida. How did you feel you performed with your new team?
AA:
"I came here with the mentality to play well and give everything I have to this team. I am going to do everything to earn a spot in the starting lineup and help this team as much as possible. I scored a goal in one match and had an assist in the other, but there is still plenty of work to do in this preseason."
FCdallas.net:
One spot the team has publicly talked about being a concern in the past is the left midfield position. What will you bring to this team in that position this season?
AA:
"Like I said before, I am here to give everything I have to my team. Right now I am playing with a lot of confidence and I believe that my attacking mentality will make a difference with this team. With that being said, I am also working on the defensive side of my game as the better I get defensively, the more I will help the team. You will see a lot of determination every time that I'm on the field this season."
Fcdallas.net:
Having made five starts with San Jose in 2003 and two starts in 2004, how are you approaching this season with regards to your desire to play more?
AA:
"I am approaching this season in a totally different way than I did in San Jose. I didn't get a lot of playing minutes in San Jose, but I had the chance to learn from my coaches and my teammates. Now I am more mature and can apply the knowledge I have gained into my game with FC Dallas."
FCdallas.net:
The other player with you involved in the trade between FC Dallas and San Jose was Richard Mulrooney. How is your relationship with him?
AA:
"My relationship with Richard is great. I lived with him when I first got to San Jose after being drafted by the Earthquakes. He is a great guy and I am very thankful for all the things he has done for me over my career. I love playing with him and I am very happy that we will continue to play together here in Dallas. We will do anything to help contribute to this team."
Fcdallas.net:
What commitment have you made for this season?
AA:
"My commitment for this season is simply to go out and work hard every day. I will do everything the coaches ask me to do with in turn will hopefully translate into wins and eventually an MLS championship."
