Joseph’s versatility invaluable

He’ll be right in the middle of it for Revolution again

March 26, 2010|Frank Dell’Apa, Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH — Shalrie Joseph has set standards for defensive midfielders in Major League Soccer. Since joining the Revolution in 2003, he has shown how a combination of skill, strength, vision, and the ability to distribute the ball can change the dynamic of a team. There has not been anyone in the league more consistently spectacular at providing a defensive anchor and transitioning to offense from the position.

But Joseph might have cost himself money by becoming an all-around performer.

Last season, called into service as a striker, Joseph produced a team-leading eight goals. He started six times at forward and moved into the slot in the second halves of other contests. Had Joseph been a full-time forward, though, he doubtless would have scored in double figures. Had Joseph joined MLS as a striker, he might well be on the way to triple-figure scoring after seven seasons.

Instead of finishing things off, though, Joseph has been in the middle of the action, setting up for the front-runners. Joseph has been crunching opposing tough guys whose touches might not be precise enough and, the next instant, lithely dancing away from opponents to start counterattacks.

Much of soccer’s glory is in the scoring, but Joseph is content with the constant chaos in the center. In midfield, Joseph does not have to depend on anyone to get him the ball. If he wants it, he goes and gets it. And when the bal l is his, he can pretty much do what he wants with it, whether that means holding onto it until his team regains composure, or launching a 70-yard pass to a speedy winger.

Yet, the question remains. What if Joseph just wanted to score, instead of thinking defense first? He might well be earning more than his $400,000 annual salary (two years remaining on his contract).

Joseph finally figured into the league’s MVP voting last season, lifting a Revolution team that had lost Steve Ralston and Taylor Twellman to injury. Joseph finished behind Landon Donovan (Los Angeles) and Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas) in the voting. Some disputed that result, wondering how Cunningham could have been ahead of Joseph when FC Dallas did not even qualify for the playoffs.

The answer, of course, would be that Cunningham scored 17 goals. In fact, had the Revolution not needed Joseph to move up front he might not have been in MVP consideration at all.

“I think he’s the best player and most valuable player in the league,’’ said Joseph’s agent, Ron Waxman. “The last three years, he’s the only one in the league to make the Best 11, and that’s very tough to do in the midfield position.