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Posted by
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March 21, 2018 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C - Felipe Martins is the kind of player you hate to play against, for twenty-two other MLS clubs, they would love to have Felipe on their team. Unfortunately for them, there's only one Felipe, and he plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The 27 year-old box-to-box midfielder is already making a name for himself with his new club. Acquired on March 2nd from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for Tim Parker and $500,000 in TAM, Felipe is fitting in with his new side, and drawing positive reviews.
The positive vibes of course are only contained among Whitecaps FC supporters. He's not likely to get any props or accolades from opposition clubs. Atlanta United FC players, fans, and media weren't happy with Felipe's challenge at the final whistle on Saturday.
Whitecaps FC Coach Carl Robinson had an interesting take on the handbag altercation at the conclusion of the Caps 4-1 loss to Atlanta, and how much it's being talked about.
"I think he's a competitor. I think everyone has their own comments and views on certain players. I was watching the game again at 2:00 o'clock in the morning on Sunday, and I'm listening to an ex player who's on the Atlanta panel now, saying that it's a blatant red card. What you tend to find with ex players, they have an opinion and a view, rightly so or wrongly so, but they probably want to make a name for themselves, and I don't think they need to, because they've been in this boat."
"Felipe is a competitor, a tough guy, he's a good player. Part of his game, the way he plays is, he likes to compete, some players don't like it. Unfortunately we're in a game of professional soccer here, so it happens," Robinson said.
The MLS veteran has been playing the role of a hard-nosed defensive oriented tackler for 7 seasons. He knows what's got him to where he is now. As he told Red Nation Online in an exclusive interview this week, he's not about to change just because people don't like his style.
"I think it's a normal thing," said Felipe. "Guys are making it bigger than it is. If no one wants to play a physical match, it's better they go work in the office. I think we played our game, we go to win. It was a normal play of the game. That's the way we play, if no one wants to be touched they better change jobs."
Felipe is right. The objective is to play hard, take all three points, and win the match at all costs. You're not going out there to pick lilies, and watch the grass grow. Football has contact, incidental or not. It's a tough sport, and players like Felipe are well prepared for it.
"Actually, I did UFC when I was young," Felipe responded. "I'm already into it, but I play soccer. Again, if they don't want to play a physical game, they better change jobs."
The fact that he's one of the most disliked players in MLS does not bother Felipe. He's got drive and determination. You won't see him going through the paces simply to collect his pay cheque.
"I care about what I do," Felipe said honestly. "I care about what I do, I play with a lot of passion. I play with everything I do. Sometimes you're physical, but I'm just playing my game. Everything I do, it's talked about. They make it bigger than it is. I don't change for anybody, and I won't change for anybody. That's the way I'm always going to be."
Past and present footballers like Gennaro Gattuso, Nigel De Jong, Joey Barton, and Pepe bring a similar brand of football. They don't make many friends on the pitch, but they have support and respect in their own locker room. Like Felipe, they'll give, and do everything to win.
"I'm one thing inside the field, and another thing outside the field," Admitted Felipe. "When I'm inside the lines, I'm there to win, and I'm going to do everything I can to win."
As the 2-1-0 Caps prepare to take on a depleted LA Galaxy side on Saturday night at B.C. Place. Felipe will play his part in helping Vancouver earn a win. Opposition MLS teams would be best served to not let him get under their skin as that's how he's already won.
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