FRISCO, Texas — FC Dallas midfielder Ricardo Villar has only been at his new job for one whole day, but already he has some lofty expectations to live up to.
Expected to replace Dax McCarty, whom FCD lost in November's Expansion Draft, Villar will be tasked with the linking midfielder duties McCarty fulfilled to a tee. Most importantly, though, he’ll be expected to help reigning MLS MVP David Ferreira with playmaking duties.
According to Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman, that shouldn’t be an issue for the 31-year-old Brazilian.
“He can play a lot of different positions,” Hyndman said. “He can play central midfield, attacking midfield, left or right side midfield. He’s more of a versatile player that can move around. We wanted to have somebody [who] can relieve some of that pressure that [Ferreira’s] going to receive.”
GALLERY: FCD preseason training
Even though he’s only shared one practice session with his new teammate, Ferreira likes the skill set that Villar brings to the reigning Western Conference champions.
[inline_node:325400]“From the few practices that we’ve had together, he’s shown quality game skills,” Ferreira said. “I hope he helps the team win a lot of games, the Western Conference championship and the MLS Cup.”
Respect Road isn't only a one-way street.
“He’s tremendous on the ball,” Villar said of Ferreira. “He’s very dynamic. I think we’ll come along.”
In fact, Villar believes he’ll come along with everyone else on the team, too.
“The group of guys that I got to meet so far is tremendous,” said the ex-Penn State star. “I think that’s the essence of winning teams – a good atmosphere and they’re all determined to reach the same goal: winning championships. It’s good to be here.”
Most recently, Villar played for SpVgg Unterhaching of the German 3.Liga, but he has also played in Greece, South Korea and Austria after spending the first two years of his professional career in the USL.
Villar realizes he’ll have to make an adjustment to MLS, but is confident his wide array of experiences abroad will help.
“I hope I can bring some of the experience I’ve gathered over the years here,” he said. “I think the athleticism on the field here [in MLS], you have to use your brain to beat that. I expect it to be faster than other places, although I played in Korea and that was faster than anything.
“Maybe [MLS will be] less physical than Germany, because there they hit a lot. But here, you also run more. We’ll see.”
