Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

April 7, 2017 Twitter

@HarJournalist

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VANCOUVER, B.C. - Christian Bolaños is a difference maker, he is a dynamic footballer that has the ability to carry the offence for his team. When he is fit and healthy, he's without a doubt, the most talented player on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Coming into preseason camp, he wasn't exactly in proper shape. Carl Robinson was none too pleased with 'Bola's offseason conditioning. It's taken precious time for Bolaños to find his form and place in the Caps four MLS, and four CONCACAF Champions League matches this year. "Bola just needs to get fit, because if Bola's fit, Bola plays," said Robinson following training on March 31. "Bola's a top, top quality player, we know that. The difference that we've had in the games that he's been involved in, has been phenomenal. The reason I let Pedro (Morales) leave, is because I had Bola, but Bola wasn't fit when he come in. Which made me very angry. Getting Bola up to speed is very important." Why was Bolaños not fit when he returned to the Whitecaps following the offseason? Red Nation Online went and asked the man himself. "On holidays, I just tried to enjoy it with my family," admitted Bolaños. "When I just tried to start running, and work out it was boring for me. I just say to him (Carl Robinson), 'I play with the national team in November, it's a lot of time I never take a holiday. This is the first time I can do something.' It was maybe a little bit of a mistake, just to not do something, because it was a lot of time, but that's the past. Right now, everything is different." The 31 year-old Bolaños, has played a total of 164 of 360 minutes in Vancouver's four MLS matches thus far. The Caps have gone 1-2-1 in those matches. Bolaños has finally looked like an engaged, fit, and determined attacking midfielder. He played in both of Costa Rica's World Cup Qualifying matches last month totally 90 minutes of action. "The situation is good right now," said Bolaños. "I've been playing with my national team. It was good to just come in better shape. I feel really good now." While representing 'Los Ticos', Bolaños is often deployed in a role as a winger. With his club team, his role is primarily as a number 10, attacking midfielder. The March, 30 transfer that saw Kekuta Manneh shipped to Columbus Crew SC could potentially open up more of an opportunity for Bolaños to play on the wing with Vancouver. "I feel comfortable if I play as a winger," revealed Bolaños. "The last eight, nine years I've been playing there, but I feel comfortable to play as a number 10. I just like to get the ball and try to create chances for the strikers, scoring goals, and make assists. If I play in that position, I feel ok." Carl Robinson is happy to have Bolaños available in his lineup. Playing him on the wing, or in the midfield remains an open option. Having a player with the versatility of a Bolaños brings another dimension to the gaffer's tactics, and formations. "Whether he plays on the wing, whether he plays as an advanced midfield player, because he's got the ability to do that. When you're building your squad, it's important you have flexibility, but it's important you have different types of players. Bola could play as a wide player, he could play as a midfield player," said Robinson. The Whitecaps will be without the services of Erik Hurtado (foot contusion), and Brek Shea (knee) when they travel to Sandy, Utah to take on Real Salt Lake on Saturday night. RSL are currently bottom of the MLS table after a dreadful 0-3-2 to the season. Buena suerte en la final Mounstro @10APG 👊👍 pic.twitter.com/TPaJTRE7iu — Christian Bolaños N. (@BOLACRIS7) April 6, 2017 The wounded, and fatigued Whitecaps will have to dig deep to find some healthy and fresh bodies after playing the LA Galaxy last Saturday, and Tigres UANL on Wednesday. Mauro Rosales, Nicolas Mezquida, Kyle Greig, and Marcel de Jong could all potential earn quality minutes against a hungry opponent eager to get a result. "In MLS, everything is difficult," said Bolaños. "This league is strange, you never know which team is good, and the next game they lose. Everyone is very competitive so we have to respect everyone." This could be a potential banana skin for Whitecaps FC. The altitude could also play a factor and Real Salt Lake will be looking to put forth a positive impression with new coach, Mike Petke in charge. Bolaños and the Caps will need all the fitness they can find.



