New York Red Bulls midfielder Daniel Edelman has been asked to take on quite a bit more than expected in 2024. First it was an injury to Peter Stroud that quickly accelerated him up the depth chart. Then it was the departure of Frankie Amaya that forced head coach Sandro Schwarz to ask the young player to expand his game and accept far more responsibility as a creative player.
“I’m definitely not satisfied and I want to keep doing more,” said Edelman who claimed he had time to reflect on the season during the team’s break from Leagues Cup. “When Frankie left it felt like I was being asked to do a little more creatively and try to influence the attack a bit more. I really like that.”
This season Edelman has made 22 starts for Red Bulls, a continuing trend for the player who has already matched his total appearances for the club from 2023. The next game will put him at the most appearances he’s made in one year on the senior level but despite knowing that Schwarz has faith in him, Edelman knows that there is still more to do.
The signing of Felipe Carballo and the push from Ronald Donkor means that there is constant competition in the midfield. The demands of Red Bulls’ high-pressure style of play means that there is always a need for something new and dynamic. Edelman hasn’t been know for his creative play moving forward but integrating that into his style is something that can take him to the next level in MLS and beyond.
“It’ll only help me going down the road, in the future,” said Edelman. “I definitely want to keep elevating myself both with the ball and without the ball. Just to grind and make myself a better player overall.”
Those expectations have surprised fans who went into the transfer window wondering where Red Bulls needed the most help. Edelman’s ability to solidify his position in the starting lineup meant that focus could be put elsewhere. While the team wasn’t able to bring in a striker, the addition of Carballo to the midfield means that there is experience, even if it comes from a player that is unfamiliar with the league.
“You can see he has a lot of quality on the field,” said Edelman when asked about Carballo’s transition from preseason to midseason form. “He’s learning what the system is and the philosophy. He’s familiar because he’s gone up against Bragantino (Red Bull) playing in Brazil. So he knows a little bit of the playing style. It’s been nice to chat with him and try to teach him the principles. He’s just really good at adapting to new information.”
One can easily forget that Edelman is just 21 years-old given his leadership qualities and poise when stepping into such a difficult situation. The game on Saturday against Sporting KC will be much the same. International call-ups have left Red Bulls with few options. Emil Forsberg, Lewis Morgan, Carlos Coronel, Noah Eile and others will not be available. That leadership from Edelman will be essential as the club looks to lock down a playoff home game with only seven games remaining in the season.
photo by Matt Kremkau