IMAGE, MATT KREMKAU FOR EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by CHRISTIAN ARAOS

Federico Bravo has asserted himself as New York City FC‘s midfield destroyer.

Bravo arrived on loan from Boca Juniors during the offseason and has made eight appearances for NYCFC this season. He will likely have to defend former club teammate Luciano ‘Lucho’ Acosta this Sunday when City takes on D.C. United.

On Thursday, he spoke with Empire of Soccer about his time with the club — and about Acosta.

EoS: You and Lucho played together at Boca, right?

FB: Yes, we played together at Boca last year and I’ve been speaking to him lately.

EoS: How is Acosta as a player?

FB: The truth is that he’s a different player. He’s smart, agile and we need to specifically defend him because he can be the difference.

EoS: And you two have been talking since you’ve arrived in the U.S.?

FB: Yes, I wrote to him the other day to congratulate him on the goal. He’s a friend and I know him very well but we’re not speaking ahead of this weekend.

EoS: And how are you feeling about your time here in New York City?

FB: I’m happy, the team is treating me well. The technical staff is very confident in me and the club is very accommodating. I want to return the favor on the field so I can repay the club’s care.

EoS: How has your idea of MLS changed during your time here?

FB: I didn’t see the league a lot in Argentina but when I arrived I found it to be a very attacking, competitive league. The teams are all equal. There are good players who if they couldn’t go to Europe, they come here. There are other players who I didn’t know but I was surprised. I’m happy and I hope we continue to attack and I hope the team continues to win and make the playoffs.

EoS: Have you talked about this with Lucho?

FB: I haven’t talked to him much until I congratulated him on the goal. He was happy but he’s doing well.

EoS: Lastly, have you thought about your future?

FB: I’m here for a year and I appreciate it. I really don’t know how things will turn out. Whether I go back to Boca, stay here or something else. I want to treat every day and do what’s best. At the end of the year, we’ll see if there’s a possibility that I can be in a better scenario.