They arrived in Atlanta by different paths, but Englishmen Tyrone Mears and Anton Walkes may be Atlanta United’s present and future.
Mears, a right fullback, was acquired in a trade from Seattle. The 33-year-old spent most of his career in England in the Championship or in the Premier League on teams fighting to avoid relegation before joining Seattle, where he played two seasons and helped the team win the MLS Cup last season.
Walkes, a central defender/defensive midfielder, was acquired in a loan from Premier League power Tottenham Hotspur. The 20-year-old has spent his developing career in the team’s academy, with a handful of appearances for the senior side.
“So far it’s started well,” Walkes said. “Team was very welcoming. We’ve started off with great intensity. It’s coming together. Everyone has a smile on their faces waiting for that big day, the first game of the season.”
Both players were used in last week’s 4-0 win over Chattanooga. Mears started and was able to put in a few crosses, displaying the skills that helped him finish last season with an 82-percent passing accuracy and second in chances created among right backs.
Both players have the skills necessary for manager Gerardo Martino to use the high-pressing system he prefers. Mears has the speed to get up and down the flanks. As noted, he is also a good passer.
“He wants his fullback to be bombing up and down,” Mears said. “All the players have bought in to the way he wants to play. It’s going to be exciting.”
Walkes came on at the start of the second half and was paired with Miles Robinson at centerhalf. The duo performed well in preserving the shut out.
Martino said Walkes is a good passer and is fast. Because Martino will want the centerhalves to play a high line, they will need to be fast because there will be a lot of space behind them that opponents may try to exploit with long balls.
Walkes acquisition was curious because players who seem to be on the verge of making it to the senior squad of a team contending for a Champions League berth, as Spurs are, typically don’t go on loan to MLS. They could be needed at any point in case of injuries, or to give those who are consistently starting a rest.
“I get some experience under my belt, experience on a new, up-and-coming developing league,” Walkes said of the move. “It’s improving at a rapid rate. Probably a great experience to be part of it. Hopefully, I can take advantage of the experience with both hands.”
While in northern London, Walkes was behind what is arguably one of the best pairings (when healthy) in the Premier League: Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Tottenham had the highest goal-differential (34) in finishing third in the Premier League last season. The team is third in the table this season.
Walkes said he a learned a lot from the Belgian duo that he hopes apply to his developing career.
“Picked up a lot of what they do on and off the training field,” he said. “You realize that’s the stuff that keeps them at the highest level.
“When you have time to yourself, sometime you think you want to relax. But they are always up to something trying to improve themselves. That’s something I’m going to try to add.”
Atlanta United would have to purchase Walkes, or agree to another loan, for him to remain with the club past this season. Walkes is focused on this season.
“I want to prove a point, get into the team and start doing well for the club,” he said. “Club has great ambition. We all have to work to try to achieve those goals.”
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