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In the midst of the numerous changes at BMO Field, two familiar faces are quickly making a name for themselves.
Acquired in seasons past by management now long gone, Reggie Lambe and Jeremy Hall continue to don the red jersey of Toronto FC, and under head coach Ryan Nelsen, the duo have improved tenfold on the field. Their work ethic on the field is undeniable – the two cover more ground than many other players in the league.
With Nelsen’s high-pressure defensive system, Lambe seems to be one of the hardest working forwards on the field. He is constantly tracking back to defend, while Hall has marshalled the centre of midfield alongside Luis Silva, Terry Dunfield or Kyle Bekker throughout the year. These traits haven’t been missed on Nelsen.
“I think there are two guys, Reggie Lambe and Jeremy Hall, that have been, since day one, absolutely fantastic since we’ve come in. The improvements they’ve made is just ridiculous,” said Nelsen.
Nelsen has high regard for the two, and their progress under the former QPR player has been consistent and exciting to watch. Lambe, in particular, had a stand out performance against Houston, something Nelsen noticed.
“It’s so good to see Reggie, he’s technically such a good player,” said Nelsen. “He’s thinking now, everything he does, there’s thought behind it. His performances are the reward of the hard work he’s put in during the weeks of training and preseason.”
Lambe, like many Toronto FC players under Nelsen, has his own, well-defined role but has the freedom to express himself on the field. He has been used primarily on the wing, but played much of the second half against Houston down the middle.
“I just wanted to get more involved in the game,” Lambe continued. “We have stats, so I want to be one of the top players who touched the ball, completed the most passes. I watched the game where Xavi completed 100 per cent passes, so that’s really my goal in the game, I just want to strive towards that.”
“I haven’t got an assist or goal this season so I just want to push forward toward that,” he continued.
While Lambe gets into his rhythm, Hall is adapting to life in a new role in midfield. Ryan Nelsen said of the converted fullback, “Jeremy does everything that most people don’t see or don’t notice, he cleans up and starts attacks.”
Playing in the role of box-to-box midfielder, Hall, whose defensive prowess have made him a standout this season, is quietly making him an undisputed starter for Toronto FC. Hall scored his second Toronto FC goal, again, against the Houston Dynamo. Hall’s first goal came against Houston last year, and he replicated the effort this season, too. Hall spoke about the goal and the fancy footwork behind it.
“The ball popped up, I just got onto it, it was coming to my left foot and I saw Ricardo Clark coming to close the space down so I cut it back to my right. I kind of just tried to get it on goal, trickled in, so it was nice to score,” said Hall.
Hall’s transition from right fullback to central midfielder has been one of Nelsen’s more unique coaching decisions. When Torsten Frings retired, finding a suitable replacement in defensive midfield was a concern for the club, but Hall has stepped in and made the spot his own. When asked about the transition, Hall was positive.
“It’s definitely getting better,” said Hall. “I think, as a team, as we get more games together, we’re also doing well, so that’s giving me confidence as well.”
Hall and Lambe may not be the most famous names in Major League Soccer, but what they offer Toronto FC is infinitely more valuable than some of the flashiest players that have graced BMO Field. These young, capable players can be relied upon to deliver consistent performances, something that is easily taken for granted in any league. It’s what makes teams click.
And under Ryan Nelsen, Reggie Lambe and Jeremy Hall are certainly clicking.
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