FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Only once does Carles Gil look to the translator for a slight clarification. Otherwise the 26-year-old intently listens to each question in English, and then begins his response.
His answers, however, are in Spanish. Gil isn’t quite comfortable enough to speak English just yet, but he’s getting there, a testament to the time he spent in England with Aston Villa and the rapid adjustment he’s making to life in the United States.
Gil has transitioned well to his new life on the field, as well, racking up three goals and one assist in his first five appearances with the New England Revolution and turning heads as one of the most influential newcomers this Major League Soccer season.
“I’ve talked about how I’ve been very happy in my first month,” Gil said through that translator on Wednesday afternoon. “Each game has allowed me to adapt, and I’m very happy with the team, the club, the city, everything. It’s been good for me.
“Little by little, I’m adapting and [my teammates] are getting to know me. I believe I’m going to continue to adapt with them, as well.”
Gil has already featured at multiple positions for the Revs, starting the first four games of the season as a second striker before dropping into a central midfield role in last weekend’s win over Minnesota. But regardless of where Gil lines up, he’s given the freedom to find the ball and run the attack.
That’s a responsibility the 5-foot-7 playmaker cherishes.
“I like to help organize the attack when I have the ball,” said Gil. “I try to help the other midfielders, and the strikers, as well. We’ve formed a union.”
It’s still early days for Gil in MLS, and a long season with unique travel demands will present its own set of challenges as the year progresses. But those are challenges that Gil is eager to tackle, noting that the variety of cities, stadiums, and supporters is part of what drew him to MLS in the first place.
“The truth is that I really like the atmospheres and the passion for soccer,” said Gil. “There are differences with all the different teams, the fields, so it’s been really interesting.”
Gil will experience yet another new city and atmosphere this Saturday night when the Revs visit MAPFRE Stadium for an early-season rematch with Columbus Crew SC. Fresh off last weekend’s victory over Minnesota United FC, spirits are high for Gil and the Revs as they head to Ohio.
“I believe that it was much needed, very important for us,” Gil said of the Revs’ first victory of the season. “It’ll definitely give us a lot of confidence going into Columbus.”
