Inside of a new-look CITY lineup, Akil Watts felt at home.
That’s because he was back at midfield.
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Watts’ positional flexibility has helped him log more than 1,900 minutes in CITY Red, though most of that time has been spent at right back. Midfield, however, is his preferred spot. But with a new coach and a fresh start—not to mention injuries and illnesses sapping some of St. Louis’ depth—Watts entered the season holding down the center midfield position
The 25-year-old’s solid play in the season debut was one of the highlights of the first match.
“I’ve just been working my butt off as a center mid,” Watts said ahead of the season. “That’s my favorite position to play, so I’m enjoying it.” Preseason is one thing, but Watts’ ability to force his way into the lineup on opening night shows how much faith new head coach Olof Mellberg has in his ability to help control play in the middle of the field.
Watts helped make the opener feel more comfortable for CITY against a club that scored seven goals across both of last year’s meetings. He contributed 0.42 expected assists, 0.11 expected goals, one key pass, one big chance generated, two interceptions, and three total tackles.
“It felt very positive,” Watts said. “I feel like we created chances, you know? I felt like we could have won the game. And defensively, we’re very solid. We didn’t give up many chances. So it was a very solid game.”
As Chris Durkin returns to full fitness, there will be a battle for minutes at the position, but Watts’s tactical understanding in front of the three center backs could prove important as the club looks to establish its intentions under Mellberg through the early stages of the season.
Mellberg was happy with the way the formation flowed, particularly with the growing chemistry between Watts and Tomas Totland, each of whom found ways to push high down the right wing.
“I think it mostly has to do with the personnel,” Mellberg said about his lineup’s fluidity. “We have those really good runs from [Totland] on the right-hand side. He at times does really well, and we also have Akil there who can also join in in the attacks. We’re maybe a little bit more buildup-oriented on the left side with Edu [Löwen] and with Jannes [Horn], but mostly it depends on who is playing.”
Even if the lineup looks different on Saturday in San Diego, Watts seems dialed in on how Mellberg wants his central defensive midfielders to play alongside the more ball-oriented Löwen. That said, there may come a time where Watts is needed back on the right side. Watts’ positioning could depend on where Mellberg feels his club can best exploit holes in the opposition.
Regardless of where he lines up, Watts is eager to contribute all over the field.
“I’m always up for playing wherever the team needs me,” Watts said. “There’s so much quality in the squad. I just feel like myself in the midfield.”
