Icelandic defenders features in the Club’s last two games
It wasn’t the ideal start to life at CF Montréal for Icelandic defender Robert Throrklesson. After signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Club and arriving in Montreal in June of 2021, Thorkelsson would develop a sports hernia in August that would keep him on the sidelines for an additional 12 weeks.
Head coach Wilfried Nancy never got an opportunity to use the young player before the end of the 2021 season, but a few games into the 2022 season, Robert’s already seen the pitch twice, earning his first minutes in the Concacaf Champions League at the Estadio Azteca against Cruz Azul in the second half, before coming against NYCFC at halftime a few days later in MLS.
“It was nice to finally get back on the pitch,” said Thorkelsson. “I think I last played a competitive game over 10 months ago. I felt good and I just enjoyed being back.”
“I’m happy for him,” said head coach Wilfried Nancy. “Robert is someone I like and that was injured most of last year. We know him as a centre-back but I needed him as a fullback this week. He played well and I’m happy he could earn his first minutes with us.”
Thorkelsson is a centre-back by trade but has experience playing as a left-back as well, as he did against Cruz Azul and New York City FC, a position he used to occupy with the U17 Iceland national team.
What was noted after a few minutes on the pitch was his calmness on the ball, his passing, and his pinpoint crossing from the wings.
“He trains well,” added Nancy. “I was happy with his first entrance, but I wasn’t surprised because he puts in the work. He needs to stay humble, of course, but what he was able to do on the pitch did not surprise me.”
Thorkelsson knows there’s competition on the backline for starting roles, but this isn’t something that has phased the young defender. With injuries piling up early in the season, Robert may be called upon again sooner rather than later.
“We have a lot of good players in these positions. I just need to be ready when called upon. On our end, we need to work together as a team and respect the coach’s decision when the time comes.”
Montreal will be back in action for the second and decisive leg of the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals, this Wednesday at 8pm against Cruz Azul at Olympic Stadium. The winner will qualify to the semifinals. Tickets are available here.
