Home NASL & USL FC Edmonton Zebie has impressed at FC Edmonton since he’s made the move to the middle

Zebie has impressed at FC Edmonton since he’s made the move to the middle

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Before the start of the 2017 NASL season, FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller and Canadian fullback Allan Zebie had a conversation.

How would Zebie feel about a move to the middle of the park?

They tried it out in preseason. Zebie, a product of the team’s academy program, had played 32 NASL games over the previous two campaigns, pretty well all of them at fullback. But he showed real promise in the middle.

Two weeks ago, looking to stop the bleeding in what would go down as a 3-1 loss to North Carolina FC, Miller brought in Zebie to stabilize the midfield. Last weekend, Zebie got the start in the holding midfield spot as Miller went back to basics with a 4-4-2 set-up. The Eddies beat Puerto Rico FC, 2-1, and Zebie did well winning balls and keeping the team moving.

“It’s great. I love it, to be honest,” Zebie said of the position change. “I used to play there when I was younger. But, obviously, I hadn’t played there in so long. I just have to get used to it.”

Look for Zebie to right back in the centre of things this weekend, as the Eddies visit Miami FC.

“He’s got good pace, he’s got excellent energy in the middle of the park — which we need,” said Miller after the Eddies’ training session Wednesday at Clarke Field.

Miller said that Zebie has been intently watching the exploits of Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, the French international who has become one of the best midfield players in the world.

“I’m not saying he is N’Golo Kante, but he is certainly who has adapted to that position very well,” Miller said of Zebie. “As long as he keeps it simple. There are times when he gets caught ball-watching or he does rush things a little bit. But, if we can keep the reins on him, with that effort and that work-rate, he’s doing a terrific job in there. And, whoever complements him on Saturday should be a good combination. It’s exciting to see a younger guy taking the opportunity. Touch wood, he’s been doing very well for us, so long may that continue.”

“I’m still learning a bit,” said Zebie. “It’s different at this level. The game is faster. But it’s better now that I’ve played my second game.”

 

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