Williams can offer Schafer and Jamaica a ‘Speedy’ midfield solution

Devon ‘Speedy’ Williams of New Yrok Red Bulls challenges Oscar of Chelsea in a pre-season friendly earlier this summer. (Getty Images)

Despite impressing at the 2015 Copa America in Chile and a historic run to the Gold Cup final, Winfried Schafer and the coaching staff of the Jamaica national football team will be aware of the problem they have in central midfield. The German boss has worked wonders with this crop of players who may have over-achieved in the summer, but still their discipline and spirit must be recognized and respected. Their Gold Cup final performance was perhaps the worst of the lot in the summer but it was a reminder that the engine room needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

As a classic German coach, discipline is the order of the day for Schafer and the Reggae Boyz. German teams in the past were known for being solid in defense, resolute and hard-working in midfield while breaking quickly in attack. Based on the players at his disposal in this Jamaican squad, Schafer may perhaps be the best man to lead them into the future. However, his main problem is finding a midfielder who is capable of retaining possession and of course distributing the ball accurately to the attacking players.

In central midfield the 65-year-old has persisted with FC Dallas’ Je-Vaughn Watson and skipper Rodolph Austin. While their ability to cover the ground and snapping at the heels of the opposition are quite good, they both lack the quality to distribute the ball and retain possession. Watson is a willing runner who will run for the manager all day while Austin provides the steel in midfield as he tries to protect his defenders. However after working hard to win possession, it is normally gifted to the opposition with a loose pass or quite frankly their ability to pick a pass is simply woeful when the attackers attempt to run the channels.

In that regard, Schafer and his coaching staff should take a good look at former St George’s College skipper and midfielder Devon ‘Speedy’ Williams of the New York Red Bulls. The former Robert Morris University man, who has one international cap back in 2011 against Trinidad and Tobago, could provide the answer for the Reggae Boyz based on the qualities in his game. An admirer of Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, the 23-year-old goes by the saying ‘calm, cool and composed’ which is synonymous to the nature of his play.

At ease and assured in possession, this extremely gifted, box-to-box midfielder, is known for his great range of passing as well as his qualities as a natural leader on and off the pitch. He is very comfortable on the ball and is more than capable retaining possession in a crowded midfield area. He also has great feet and can get past players if necessary, but his preference is always to look for a pass especially in forward areas. His vision is also very good and he has the eye for a defense-splitting pass. He has already registered two assists in 9 games for the Red Bulls second team and hit the back of the net once. He has also featured in the Red Bulls’ 4-2 victory over English champions Chelsea earlier this summer.

With the 5ft 8in midfielder’s technical skill-set and passing range, the likes of Darren Mattocks, Deshorn Brown and Gareth McCleary would be more than likely utilized efficiently. They have great pace and on the counter-attack could be hazardous for any opposition if they get the right service in the channels and behind the defense. ‘Speedy’ could be their best friend and be their supply line from midfield which is seriously lacking at the present moment. At 23 years old he still has a lot to learn but that youthful exuberance makes him even more fearless and more willing to take risks that could prove beneficial for the team.

 He has made an impressive start to his professional career with his athleticism, passing ability, sharpness in a tackle and consistency being admired by many around the club. If he continues to improve and impress it will only be a matter of time before he is called into the first team and hopefully in the Jamaican squad. There is little doubt he will progress because it is in his DNA to work hard as well as seeking ways to improve his game. He was once described by St George’s College coach Neville Bell as one of the most disciplined players who always tries to do the right thing. His ambition is to reach his full potential and play at the highest possible level and with his humble nature, few would doubt him taking his game to a few level upwards.

Williams’ hard-working nature would fit straight into Schafer’s philosophy but of course he has superb technical qualities compared to the others at the German’s disposal. His addition would bring some fresh impetus into the squad and of course more competition for places that could improve the quality in the team. The Jamaican public and fans on a whole will appreciate more young talent and with his unique qualities that are needed by the team, he could become a fan-favourite much like his days for the ‘Boys in Blue’ from North Street.