US Media Cast Thomas Muller Verdict After MLS Debut For Vancouver Whitecaps

Having arrived on American shores from Bayern Munich, Thomas Muller was expected to hit the ground running for the Vancouver Whitecaps – and the United States media have reacted to his club debut inside a fan-packed BC Place as they drew 1-1.

Vancouver centre-forward Brian White struck from the spot after nine minutes of play; but their opponents, Houston Dynamo, bagged a 91st-minute equaliser courtesy of midfielder Artur – and the game ended with a red card to Brooklyn Raines.

Muller, by virtue of his status within the global football echo chamber, was given a superstar welcome by the 27,000 fans inside the stadium – but how did he perform for his Major League Soccer (MLS) employers after replacing Emmanuel Sabbi?

Looking to hit the ground running and make his mark in new territory, the 2014 World Cup winner was given a 30-minute run-out inside Vancouver’s stomping ground. We must admit: it was strange seeing the attacking midfielder in anything but Bavaria colours, but he was thrust straight into action.

Upon his introduction, he slipped into a deep-lying striker role – almost in the No.10 position – and he was linking up well with White and Sebastian Berhalter, whose midfield control allowed Muller to impact proceedings in the final third without a hitch.

Muller – widely regarded as one of the most underrated players in football history – almost got his debut off to the perfect start. The 35-year-old struck a ball with his right foot, and it ended up in the bottom left corner. He was given a brief chance to celebrate it before the referee chalked it off for an offside in the build-up.

Sports Illustrated, focusing on the floating German, believes that Muller’s impact didn’t falter after his goal was chalked off. The American publication also waxed lyrical about the seasoned playmaker’s off-the-ball press by saying:

Labelling him as the club’s chief ‘space interpreter’, they wrote: “While Müller entered the match as a deep-lying second striker behind White, he adapted his positioning throughout the performance, sometimes drifting wide, but consistently placing himself in empty spaces to take advantage of.”

“In the game’s waning moments, as he began to play a more transnational role, dropping off Houston’s midfielders and finding midfield pockets to provide the Whitecaps wingers with chances. However, he also had moments where he drifted wide to exploit spaces for Vancouver’s central attackers.”

MLS Soccer, on the 131-cap Germany international, insisted that his on-field leadership – which was on display during his short but sweet debut – will be critical for Jesper Sorensen’s men, who now turn their attention a match against St. Louis City, moving forward.

Watch the highlights of his MLS debut below:

Vancouver head coach Sorensen spoke glowingly of the Bundesliga icon following their one-point haul. “There’s, of course, high expectations for a player like Thomas coming here to MLS, playing for Vancouver Whitecaps,” he said before adding: “First and foremost, it’s about blending in together with his teammates. I think he did very well.”