Albert Rusnák Proves Critics Wrong With Recent Form Rise
Aug 26, 2021, 11:50 AM
Real Salt Lake midfielder Albert Rusnak (11) in action during a MSL match on June 23, 2021 between Real Salt Lake and the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field in Seattle, WA. (Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeff Halstead/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake captain Albert Rusnák has endured a very different season than he had originally hoped for.
Early Distraction
As the World Cup Qualifiers quickly approach, Rusnák will yet again watch from afar as his beloved Slovakia fights for World Cup acceptance. Before the year 2021, Rusnák had played a significant role for Slovakia in all meaningful international fixtures. That all changed when he was surprisingly left off the Slovakian Euro roster, despite playing a majority of minutes in helping them get to the tournament.
The disruption rattled Rusnák mentally. The exclusion caused an apparent internal disturbance.
when the Sunday scaries finally set in pic.twitter.com/zEAEzGvS5B
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) August 23, 2021
That disturbance carried over to the field and his ability to impact games quickly diminished.
Fearless Response
Rusnák was faced with adversity, and the fanbase was about to learn a lot about their fearless leader.
Would he stand up, continue to work hard, and gain motivation? Or would he feel sorry for himself and lose his drive?
Real Salt Lake fans can now breathe a sigh of relief. Rusnák has endured very challenging times and has responded with fine form.
The Real Salt Lake captain is strong and has shown to have the mental ability to endure very challenging measures.
Rusnák now ranks sixth in key passes within the entire league with 45 key passes through 20 fixtures. When Real Salt Lake is firing, there is a good chance the ball is being moved through their captain.
He also scored Real Salt Lake’s only goal of their last game when they lost 2-1 on the road against Colorado.
Albert Rusnák breaks the tie and gives @realsaltlake a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute. 🚀⚽️#RSL #RSLonKSL #COvRSL pic.twitter.com/xXxmYOfvNp
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 22, 2021
The move of Freddy to push Rusnák into a more central position has also aided his form. He began the season playing all of his minutes on the left wing, but has recently been playing in his more preferred number 10 role as Juarez has pushed Kreilach back into the heart of the midfield.
Without question, Rusnák is far more comfortable as a central attacker. His qualities are best displayed when he has the ability to control attacks.
Rusnák, like most attackers, is best when he finds space, can turn and face the goal, and be given the time to make educated decisions. He is also a very talented decision-maker under pressure, he is intelligent.
What Rusnák has showcased this season is impressive. He has successfully navigated rough waters and has played his way back into form when the fanbase was after his head.
Real Salt Lake’s captain is tough and has earned the respect of his teammates, fans, and the state of Utah by constantly delivering despite unforeseen circumstances.
Next Match
Real Salt Lake will travel to Vancouver for a date with the Whitecaps at BC Place on Sunday, August 29. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. and will be available to stream via the KSL Sports & KSL 5 TV apps or on KSL Sports dot com.
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