INTERVIEWS – OTHER Nathan Saliba (21) arrived at Anderlecht last summer as a noble unknown from the MLS, but has since grown into a regular pawn in Besnik Hasi’s midfield. The Canadian consciously made the leap out of his comfort zone. “In Montreal I was a captain and I played everything. Here I had to start over, in a different culture. Even cooking and shopping were a challenge at first,” he laughs.
On the field, Saliba adapted remarkably quickly to the fast pace of the Pro League. “In the MLS you get more time on the ball, here you are immediately chased. I knew I had to think faster to survive.” That intensity quickly earned him a starting spot.
Together with Nathan De Cat he forms a complementary duo in midfield. Saliba always opts for the vertical solution. “That’s my game. The coach wants that push forward. Even though I know my statistics need to be better.”
After a difficult December, Anderlecht is looking ahead to the Croky Cup. “You’re never too young to win trophies. I heard the fans have been waiting for years for a trophy. I want to raise that cup.”
Saliba will soon also take that winning mentality with him to the World Cup with Canada. “I play for Canada, but Haiti is in my blood. Both countries mean a lot to me.”
Source: HLN (Kjell Doms)
