Article content continued

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or

After making regular appearances in 2013, 2014 and 2015, the last two seasons have seen a decline in profile, first through injury, and then through competition.

The arrival of Tony Tchani blocked him from getting much time in central midfield, and the quartet of Brek Shea, Alphonso Davies, Cristian Techera and Christian Bolanos crowded him out from playing on the wings, where he once was seen as an offensive cog.

Now he’s looked to be more of an energy player, one who can play a physical, ball-winning role.

Sure, status as a homegrown Canadian are big points in his favour in a salary-cap universe — his salary, as a result, doesn’t count towards the cap, making him a very useful depth player — but coach Carl Robinson clearly remains a fan.

“He’s a model professional who, if playing or not, never changes his mentality or will for the team to win. You need passionate and driven players like that in your squad. Russell’s hard work and determination will continue to push the group,” Robinson said after announcing the signing.

You also figure both coach and player recognize the depth role he’s set to fill.

Just by looking ahead to next season, he’s still clearly third-fiddle, behind Tchani and Aly Ghazal. And if Nosa Igiebor comes back he’d sit fourth.

In signing, Teibert made clear that this is where he wants to be.

“Vancouver has become my home and this club has become my family,” he said.

pjohnston@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/risingaction

CLICK HEREto report a typo.

Is there more to this story? We’d like to hear from you about this or any other stories you think we should know about. Email vantips@postmedia.com