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Yes, the Whitecaps as a whole have a lot of work to do defensively, but Inbeom does appear to be part of the solution, just not in the position we might have originally expected. Improving the midfield is an off-season priority for Dos Santos, there is no doubt, since a stronger midfield will relieve pressure on the Caps’ backline.

“He gives us a lot of control,” Inbeom’s midfield colleague Andy Rose said. “So much composure on the ball in tough moments. In tricky moments he makes good decisions … We all know what a special player he is, certainly fun to play with.”

Photo by Jason Payne / PNG files

More than once, Inbeom was involved in helping to foil the Timbers as they neared the Whitecaps’ 18-yard box. And more than once, it was Inbeom who was quickly launching the Whitecaps on an attack the other way.

That, more than anything, is what has separated him from the other faces who have played directly in front of the backline this season.

“He sees the game in front of him,” Dos Santos said. “He’s able to play in a position that gives him freedom, even though he’s dynamic, to defend in the right moments. I think it suits him.”

Inbeom has been played further up the field at times this season, sometimes even as a No. 10, so the decision to play him this deep was perhaps a surprise, but it’s a testament to his talent that he’s thriving there.

He was billed as more of a No. 8, an offensive-minded central midfielder, when he came to the Whitecaps last winter. Perhaps he’ll slide back forward, depending on how the winter transfer window plays out for Dos Santos.

But for now, it’s working so well his coach essentially rejected a comparison with the great Chara.

“Inbeom is much more skilful and gets out of pressure better,” he replied. “Chara is more a volume ball-winner.”

“He could grow even more,” he added of Inbeom, with confidence.

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