The experiment is only two games old, but for now, it’s intriguing.
The vice-president and chief sports officer of CF Montreal, Olivier Renard, had issued a small warning after acquiring midfielder Bryce Duke from Inter Miami CF: he had to be better than the other offensive elements of the club to play.
One thing is certain. He has been doing well since arriving with his new team a week ago.
Obviously, the large number of injuries in the bleu-blanc-noir may play in Duke’s favor, but the 22-year-old midfielder did well against DC United on Saturday and the Vaughan Azzurri, Tuesday.
Duke, who arrived in Montreal with forward Ariel Lassiter in return for defender Kamal Miller and US$1.3 million in general allocation money, quickly showed his skills with the ball . He does not lack confidence on the pitch and his creativity is felt.
After only taking part in a few practices with his teammates since his acquisition, Duke seems to be quietly developing a chemistry with them and CF Montreal head coach Hernan Losada has already noted an increase in the level of play. from game to game. “I think Duke’s performance against DC was positive, as there were several teammates he doesn’t know. I saw one more level [contre le Vaughan Azzurri]and I believe he and Lassiter can give even more,” Losada noted.
During a press scrum last Thursday, Renard did not hide that he had been watching Duke for several months. Each time, he had been unable to agree with Inter Miami CF. Duke had read between the lines and he was aware of the Montreal troupe’s interest in him. However, he had no idea that he was going to change address so quickly, when he had just signed a new contract with Inter Miami CF.
The young midfielder hasn’t been targeted for nothing. The blue-white-black has struggled to move the strings and create chances in the last third since the start of the season. He also occupies the 15e and last in the Eastern Conference in goals scored (three).
It fits directly into the job description of Duke, who has a great opportunity to quickly establish himself as an attacking and creative midfielder within his new formation. “To come to a team that believes in you and puts you in your favorite position, it’s always fun,” he said. It’s good to feel wanted and I’m here to take advantage of that. »
And Duke wants to take advantage of it as far as Europe, as other CF Montreal players have done successfully before him.
The Montrealers are coming back from a busy off-season, during which midfielders Djordje Mihailovic and Ismaël Koné as well as defender Alistair Johnston headed to the Old Continent following paid transfers for the team.
This move to Montreal could be the necessary stepping stone for Duke to achieve his goal. “I always wanted to go and play in Europe. Montreal is probably what gives the most European feeling through MLS. I have an opportunity here, I want to take advantage of it and head to Europe as soon as possible,” he concluded.