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Posted by
Steve Bottjer,
July 5, 2013 |
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Email Steve Bottjer
Twitter @BottjerRNO |
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Heading into his prime years as a central defender at 26 years old and having recently become a father over his summer break, David Edgar is primed to take a leadership role with the Canadian Men’s National Team as the side looks to rebound with a strong performance at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament.
With Canada fielding a young side and national team veterans such as Kevin McKenna and Andre Hainault not called up or unavailable, Edgar becomes Canada’s most experienced centre back and a key player on Colin Miller’s squad.
“I have spoken with Colin about my role,” Edgar told RedNation Online. “Over the last week you can tell that it is a quiet group. It’s tough for the young boys to come in and be vocal. I’m definitely looking to be a leader and to be quite vocal on and off the pitch. I just want to help the team any way that I can. Obviously, I learned a lot from Kevin (McKenna) and the way he played and went about the game and loved playing for his country. I’m looking forward to solidifying that position.”
“This is obviously the first Gold Cup that I have been involved in, so it’s really exciting,” Edgar added. “We have the younger generation of players coming through now and it is a good core of players with good quality. It’s all building towards the next round of World Cup qualifiers and hopefully we can put in a good showing at this Gold Cup.”
While much has been made about this Gold Cup being all about the next generation of Canadian players – Samuel Piette, Keven Alamen, Doneil Henry and Russell Teibert, to name just a few – Canada’s success in the tournament could realistically hinge on the quality of the performances of a group of players who first came to prominence when they played together at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted in Canada. Players such as Edgar, Will Johnson, Nana Attakora and Simeon Jackson, who were just beginning their careers at the International level six years ago, are now the veterans who must guide the new youngsters through their first big tournament at the senior level.
“I’ve known Simeon since I was 14 years old and have played with Nik Ledgerwood on two U20 teams,” Edgar said. “We’ve definitely grown up together along with Will (Johnson) and Tos (Ricketts). We’ve been through a lot. Whether you are in favour or not with the national team, everyone is around and pushing for a starting place. So there is a good core group of players from that generation. Hopefully we can use our experience for the younger players that are now coming through.”
Ultimately, Edgar sees a good performance by Canada at this Gold Cup as something that is vital for the national team going forward.
“We’ve got to have a good showing. These are the first competitive matches since the last World Cup qualifying matches,” Edgar said. “So we’re looking to do well and get out of the group. You never know from there as it is a one game knockout. Especially with the young group, if we can go out and get some results here, it will be a good stepping stone to future camps and future things. With new players coming in and a new manager coming in it is an exciting time.”
Even though Edgar’s role will be primarily concerned with preventing Canada from conceding goals, he was quick to state that the secret to doing well in the tournament will be for his team to bury their own chances when they get the opportunity.
“We’re more than capable of getting results against Mexico and Panama,” Edgar stated. “We know that. We’ve done it. We beat Panama at home, but found it difficult away from home for some reason. Obviously, these matches are on more neutral ground. They will still be difficult games and a difficult environment, but we just need to finish our chances. If you look back, if we had score some of those goals during qualification, then it is a different outcome.”
The Gold Cup caps off a busy summer for Edgar, who has enjoyed a positive change in his personal life over the last few months.
“We had a little baby girl a couple of weeks into my break, so it hasn’t been much of a break,” Edgar said. “But I stayed fit and came to camp ready to go. I’m really looking forward to getting started on Sunday. Having a child really changes your whole outlook on life really. It’s been really exciting and it really does change your perspective on football and life.”
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