Will Albert Rusnák’s Departure Finally Solidify Damir Kreilach’s Starting Position?

SALT LAKE CITY – Over the last handful of years, the combination of Albert Rusnák and Damir Kreilach has proved pivotal to the success of Real Salt Lake, however, it came at a cost.

Both Rusnák and Kreilach seemed to be most comfortable at the number 10 position just behind the central striker. The start of 2021 saw Rusnák predominantly playing on the wing with Kreilach at the 10 whereas in 2020 Rusnák solidified the 10 while Kreilach acted as a false 9.

Now the dilemma is over.

Rusnák has departed for Seattle and Kreilach has been handed the captain’s armband. Furthermore, Rusnák reportedly refused to sign the contract offered to him by Real Salt Lake because he requested that he only plays in a central position and that the club was hesitant and unwilling to capitulate.

Back to business! pic.twitter.com/QXfcdU1M0a

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) January 21, 2022

Kreilach was brought into Real Salt Lake to act as a central midfielder, but his time has predominantly been spent elsewhere. Since 2018, Kreilach has netted 46 goals from 127 appearances with most starts occurring at the striker or attacking midfielder position. His time has not been utilized in the center of the park.

Ahead of 2022, Kreilach’s role looks set in stone. Pablo Ruiz, Everton Luiz, Nick Besler, and the potential addition of Gustavo Cuéllar suggest that Kreilach is not required in the center of the park. Bobby Wood, Rubio Rubin and the potential signing of Sergio Córdova make space at the point of the attack limited.

Kreilach will almost certainly dictate the number 10 role for Real Salt Lake in 2022.

He will have the ability to stamp his authority in his preferred position with very little competition to worry about. Kreilach has been gifted the freedom he deserves in a Real Salt Lake kit.

When at his best, Kreilach crashes the box and scores a lot of goals with his head, but he is also incredibly gifted at scoring from distance and playing the final pass to set up his teammates.

The loss of Rusnák was not welcomed by the club. They had intentions of re-signing him and are likely still reeling from the loss. However, the Rusnák loss may be quickly forgotten if Kreilach can continue his remarkable run of form that began almost immediately following his signing in 2018.