Five Vancouver Whitecaps players with something to prove this Major League Soccer season:

CAMILO

Where exactly does the third-year player fit? The leading goal scorer in 2011 and top assist man in 2012 can be as exciting as he is perplexing.

Still only 24, the Brazilian has great vision and a good shot, but has a propensity for dribbling into trouble and sulking when things don’t go his way. Has played at wing and at striker and was tried at attacking midfielder in the pre-season. Three goals in the pre-season finale were a positive sign, but his early-season role could be to provide a spark off the bench.

Head coach Martin Rennie says he’s sure Camilo will play a vital role this season. “He’s a big goal-scoring threat, he can play a lot of different positions. He’s going to be involved a lot.”

KENNY MILLER

The 33-year-old Scot was a mid-season addition last season as a designated player and his $1.2-million salary quickly became an albatross when he failed to deliver as promised. His critics didn’t want to hear that he arrived, rusty and not match fit. All they saw was just two goals and one assist in 14 games. But by all accounts, he’s looked extremely comfortable in the pre-season, primarly playing in behind striker Darren Mattocks and flanked by Daigo Kobayashi and rookie Kekuta Manneh.

“Yeah, it’s enjoyable. It’s still being forward, but you’ve got a little bit more responsibility on the defensive side, which is good,” said Miller, who has rotated positions with the other three. “I think it’s worked well. There’s a good understanding there and hopefully that will get better as the season goes on.”

NIGEL REO-COKER

Still just 28, the compact London native is a veteran of more than 230 English Premier League games and says he’s motivated to show that MLS doesn’t have to be a kind of semi-retirement league for thirty-somethings looking for an easy pay day.

Captained Aston Villa and West Ham, so clearly is comfortable in being a leader who can get after teammates when necessary and nuture young players. He and rising star Gershon Koffie should provide a menacing presence in the centre of midfield.

“We’re really pleased to add Nigel,” said Rennie. “He’s very strong. He’s very powerful, but he also brings real leadership in terms of his communication and organization. That will be a big addition to our group.”

KEKUTA MANNEH

Just 18 years of age, the Caps’ 2013 SuperDraft pick (No. 4 overall) is blessed with tremendous speed and soccer intelligence.

He made an immediate impact in Vancouver’s first pre-season game, setting up striker Darren Mattocks for a goal in the second minute. Three games later, he scored his first two goals, the initial one coming when he blew past the Charleston defenders and scored on his own rebound. He’s quickly developing some chemistry with Mattocks and don’t be surprised if he starts on Saturday.

The biggest issue with Manneh and fellow first-round rookie Erik Hurtado might be managing expectations. “I think they’ll play,” says Rennie. “Even if they don’t start, they can make an impact off the bench.”

BRAD RUSIN

Veterans Andy O’Brien and Jay DeMerit will be the first-choice central defenders, but Rennie feels like he’s got a very capable depth player in the towering 26-year-old American. Technically proficient and physically strong, the six-foot-four Rusin served as a captain for Rennie back when the two were together with the second-tier Carolina Railhawks a few years back.

Rusin later played in Denmark before signing with the Caps in January. His minutes will likely depend on whether DeMerit and O’Brien, both 33, stay healthy and how busy Vancouver’s schedule gets. But Rennie won’t be shy about sliding the big man into a key position.

gkingston@vancouversun.com