New England defender Michael Parkhurst earned MLS Defender of the Year and Best XI honors for his play this season. But according to Revolution head coach Steve Nicol, Parkhurst should yearn for more academic pursuits.
"There's not a smarter player in the league," Nicol said.
The former Scottish international defender knows a thing or two about intelligent play on the backline. Nicol earned a PFA Player of the Year award while playing for Liverpool and enjoyed a lengthy career in the English top flight.
Parkhurst has proven adept at soaking in Nicol's knowledge and adding it to his repertoire on the field.
"Everyone respect what Nicol's done as a player," Parkhurst said. "He passes it on to us. The little things he says are huge to me."
Those little things distinguish Parkhurst from other central defenders in the league and depict why Parkhurst will lead out one of the league's strongest defenses in MLS Cup on Sunday afternoon. Never accused of possessing myriad physical gifts, Parkhurst makes light of his lithe frame by out-thinking his opposition.
Instead of letting the opposing midfielder play the ball into his burly center forward, Parkhurst nips in and cuts off the service. Instead of allowing a player to turn, Parkhurst denies the outlets, leaving the player stranded.
Cries went out when Parkhurst hauled down Jozy Altidore in New York in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and earned a yellow card for his troubles because Parkhurst doesn't get caught out of position or foul frequently.
"I'm still learning," Parkhurst admits of his booking, even though Nicol called it an intelligent foul after that game.
But does Parkhurst ever learn quickly. Since he arrived in the league, he has started for the Revs, dispelling questions and portraying the quiet confidence and consistency he says his team exudes.
"He just plays to the same high standard," Nicol said. "You can just see the learning curve with him. It's all about his head."
Nicol credited the work of Avery John and Jay Heaps alongside Parkhurst. The three don't comprise the quickest or strongest of backlines, but Nicol says they make up for it with their experience and comprehension of the game.
Parkhurst credits Heaps's calming presence as helpful to his success and suggests the work of Shalrie Joseph and Jeff Larentowicz aids his job.
Larentowicz, in particular, drew high praise from the Revolution center back.
"We see [his work] and respect him for it," Parkhurst said. "His dirty work allows Shalrie a little bit more room. His value is underestimated by everyone, but not by the people on this team."
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
