New England Revolution supporters have raved about former Rangers star Matt Polster after his ‘impressive’ debut against Philadelphia Union.
Revolution returned to MLS action overnight in a behind-closed-doors fixture and Polster was thrown straight into the starting XI.
The 27-year-old cited a desire to play regularly when he left Glasgow in a deal worth a reported £400,000 in early July [Daily Record] and it looks as though his manager, Bruce Arena, is going to deliver minutes.
Polster was handed the no.8 shirt at his new club and is being deployed as a defensive midfielder, rather than in the right-back slot he was occupied with the Gers.
The USA international was booked for a heavy challenge in the first half but made it through the full 90 minutes as his side earned a point in a 0-0 draw.
“I think I was a little bit excited, nervous, probably a little bit of everything playing my first game and my first 90 in quite a few months, obviously,” he said after the match [Revolutionsoccer.net].
“It was the first time on the pitch for me with an entirely new team, I thought we did really well in some moments. We need to still hold ourselves to a high standard.
“A 0-0 is just not good enough for us at home. We need to get three points so it’s a bit frustrating from that side of things.”
Polster might not have been satisfied with the draw, but plenty of supporters were impressed by his performance in midfield.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Twitter:
It’s a strange feeling not having to worry (too much) about the Revs defense. Polster felt like a final, confident piece clicking into place. Turner solid again. Saved the day a few times. Nevertheless, a season of draws has me falling asleep on the couch mid-game.
— Jack Loftus (@JackLoftus) August 21, 2020
#NERevs
4) I think that it was a nice debut from Polster.
5) So where was the problem? Again we didn´t have a playmaker, and thats the player that we need to found in the next transfer window. Today I think that Fagundez is the most useful in thar role.— NERevsFans (@revs_ne) August 21, 2020
Finishing was terrible from the revs, but still a lot of positives. Most notably Polster is a huge upgrade over Zahibo.
Polster tonight on the left. Zahibo in 1-0 loss to Philly during MLS is back. pic.twitter.com/jW4Ira5Ip2
— Tyler O’Brien (@TyOBrie16) August 21, 2020
Matt Polster is good #NERevs
— SWIATLOWSKIsays (@SWIATLOWSKIsays) August 21, 2020
Farrell and Kessler were great in the back. Polster was a general out there. The final 3rd let us down…again.
— Chris Pacheco (@ChipPacheco) August 21, 2020
Especially liked the play of Polster and Rowe in midfield. Weird watching Bou play the 10 bit he’s showed plenty of skill on the ball and passing ability
— Chandler Hutchison (@ChanHutchSports) August 21, 2020