2 months ago
17
The career of young Cavalier midfielder Adrian Reid has been on an upward trajectory since making his Jamaica Premier League (JPL) debut last season.
In his first full term with the JPL champions, the 17 year-old midfielder established himself as a first team player and was instrumental in them lifting the trophy in May.
The player also earned his first senior international call-up this year for the World Cup qualifier against the Dominican Republic and this week he was added to Steve McClaren’s squad to face Cuba in the Concacaf Nations League at the National Stadium on Friday.
McClaren spoke glowingly about the young player, who had a one week training stint with Portuguese Premier League team Estoril, where he impressed.
Although red tape has presented some challenges in getting the transfer done in a timely manner, Reid’s father, Adrian Reid Sr, strongly believes the former St George’s standout is on a path to success and if he continues like this for the next few years, he will be one of the best midfielders in the world.
McClaren said after watching the player in Cavalier’s Concacaf Caribbean Cup match against Police last week, that he was so impressed he wanted a closer look.
“Fortunately, he played last (Thursday) night. We went to the Cavalier and Police game and it was a chance to have a look at Adrian.
“At 17, 18. What a talent. I was so impressed with him over the 90 minutes and I said straight away to Merron (Gordon) and the staff, let’s get him in the squad,” McClaren said.
‘He impressed them’
Though Reid Jr’s potential transfer to Estoril is being stalled by other issues the club is currently managing, former Santos, Portmore and San Juan Jabloteh (Trinidad) defender, Reid Sr, is confident the player will get his move overseas very soon.
“As we speak now (agent) Kevin Cowan is in dialogue with the team. One of the things that is holding up stuff is that the team is moving around some players.
“They are trying to get rid of some players and trying to see who they can bring in and that is what is really holding it up.
“He only trained with them for four days and he impressed them and I am more than satisfied with that,” he said.
“If that does not work out I know he (Kevin) has a few more teams he is talking to. One is in Portugal and there’s one in Spain. But the one we really want to put him in is Estoril. There is a good opportunity there for him. They like him and if we get through there, that will be good.”
He added that the opportunity for his son to get training with senior professionals in the national team can only aid in his development, and he believes he is on the path to becoming a world-class midfielder.
“The plans we have for him are very big and I just want him to believe in it. I strongly believe that as long as he stays on this path, he will get to a team in Portugal or Spain or wherever. I give him two years to be one of the best midfielders in his age group in the world. But I am really proud of what he has become,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Cowan revealed that they were only able to secure a short visa for the player, and as such, he was limited to less than a week’s stay in Portugal.
“Despite the short period, we received very good feedback from the club about his performance and especially about his personality and character. At this time, I’m still having dialogue with the club, but I’m limited with regard to how much I can reveal,” he said.
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