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Whitmore calls for patience with midfield

Published:Wednesday | July 14, 2021 | 12:09 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
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WHITMORE
WHITMORE
Suriname forward Diego Biseswarr falls after being tripped up by Jamaica defender Michael Hector (right) during the first half of their Concacaf Gold Cup Group C match in Orlando, Florida, on Monday. Suriname forward Diego Biseswarr falls after being tripp
AP
Suriname forward Diego Biseswarr falls after being tripped up by Jamaica defender Michael Hector (right) during the first half of their Concacaf Gold Cup Group C match in Orlando, Florida, on Monday. Suriname forward Diego Biseswarr falls after being tripped up by Jamaica defender Michael Hector (right) during the first half of their Concacaf Gold Cup Group C match in Orlando, Florida, on Monday.
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While he expected growing pains with the central defensive pairing of Michael Hector and Daniel Johnson, national senior men’s football team head coach Theodore Whitmore says that he sees more continuity with them with more chances to play together...

While he expected growing pains with the central defensive pairing of Michael Hector and Daniel Johnson, national senior men’s football team head coach Theodore Whitmore says that he sees more continuity with them with more chances to play together during the Concacaf Gold Cup.

Both players started in their return to international play as Jamaica defeated Suriname 2-0 in their opening match at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on Monday.

First-half goals from Shamar Nicholson and Bobby Reid were enough for the Reggae Boyz to get the win despite Suriname making things uncomfortable in the latter stages of the second half.

Theodore Whitmore deployed a 4-2-3-1 system which saw Hector, a natural centre back, partner Johnson in defensive midfield. It has been a position that has seen Whitmore uses several options, including Damion Lowe, in their friendly game against Serbia last month.

MORE GAMES NEEDED

Whitmore said that he was impressed with the way both players trained during the week-long pre-tournament camp but says that the duo need more games to gel given the time they have spent away from the team.

“It’s the first time both players are playing together so familiarity (would be an issue),” Whitmore said post-game. “But the good thing about us is, I thought they trained well during the camp in Orlando.

“But in-game situations are totally different and I think that they need game practice. If you look at these players, Johnson hasn’t played since [November 2020]. Hector, hasn’t played since March. I think just to get this game under their belt is a plus for both guys.”

It is a position that is not new to Hector as he has been deployed there 13 of 33 appearances with the Reggae Boyz including in Monday’s game. “

Hector says while he is more than capable of being in the heart of the defence, he felt at ease partnering with Johnson given his familiarity with his play during their various battles in the English Championship.

“Playing for my country, I can play centre back, as you know, and me playing midfield is to obviously help the team and make them centrally solid and just break up play and keep it simple,” Hector said after the game. “And for me playing with Daniel, obviously, I’ve played against him many times and I know his game really well. So for me, it’s quite easy to play with him and I feel comfortable in the midfield.”

Whitmore’s starting 11 against Suriname featured various players including captain Andre Blake, Alvas Powell, Shamar Nicholson, Leon Bailey, and Bobby Reid returning to the team after lengthy absences.

Jamaica face Guadeloupe in their second group game in Orlando, Florida, on Friday.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com