“He was man of the match vs Barcelona” – Why New England Revolution signed Super Eagles star

New England Revolution’s assistant coach Pablo Moreira has shared insights into the club’s decision to sign Super Eagles midfielder Alhassan Yusuf from Belgian side Royal Antwerp, Soccernet.ng reports.

Yusuf, who made his move to Major League Soccer in August 2024, has already played a key role for his new team, helping them secure a vital 1-0 victory over Nashville SC on September 28, breaking a five-game winless streak.

Brandon Bye scored the winner late in the 86th minute, but it was Yusuf’s tireless work in midfield that caught everyone’s attention.

His ability to cover ground and win the ball in deep positions was essential for the Revolution’s control of the match.

Moreira praised the midfielder’s performance, highlighting Yusuf’s presence throughout the build-up to the goal.

“I think as more games go, you’re going to see him be more comfortable,” Moreira said as per the Blazing Musket.

“But it’s what we saw, it’s why we wanted him here, and he’s just scratching the surface because, I said this last time, he’s got a world-class engine.

“You don’t sneak into the Nigerian National Team without having a superhuman power, and that’s his. He’s just got an engine that he can go, and like you saw, he’s aggressive, he’s a little undersized, but you saw aerially, he wins balls. He’s connecting all his passes.”

Yusuf’s arrival in New England is no surprise to Moreira, who had seen the Nigerian international at his best in Europe.

Recalling a memorable performance during Antwerp’s historic 3-2 win over Barcelona in the Champions League, where Yusuf provided an assist, Moreira explained that the midfielder’s quality was evident.

“And it’s just, again, what we saw out of him,” Moreira added. 

“If anyone has any questions about Yusuf, there’s a game that we all saw—it was against Barcelona, and to me, he was man of the match.

“He’s just scratching the surface because he’s got a world-class engine.”

Yusuf’s determination and versatility have already been praised by head coach Caleb Porter.

Porter emphasised the midfielder’s ability to dominate both ends of the pitch, adding that Yusuf, along with other new signings, has quickly adapted to the team.

“He is very rangy, covers a ton of ground, wins balls, and helps our team control games on both sides of the ball,” Porter told the club’s website. 

Yusuf himself is excited about the team’s potential and was relieved to help secure the win.

“We had a really good game in the first half… when you keep going and the goal comes toward the end, it’s kind of a relief. These are really important points for the team,” Yusuf remarked.

The Super Eagles midfielder, who featured in 30 games for Antwerp last season, has already made a significant impact in MLS, appearing in four matches for the New England Revolution, including two starts.

As the season progresses, Yusuf is expected to play an even bigger role as he continues to adjust to life in the United States.