CF Montreal | Joel Waterman…the general?

“It’s beautiful to see,” says Mathieu Choinière about Joel Waterman. He’s really our general back on defense. He guides everyone, he puts them back on the right path when necessary. »

Choinière’s choice of words is important: the title of defensive “general”, which long belonged to Laurent Ciman, then gradually associated with Rudy Camacho, is thus returning to Waterman.

The Canadian defender has experienced a “big evolution” over the years with Montreal, according to the Quebec midfielder. “He’s a guy who brings a lot of intensity and direction. He guides the team a lot. This is his greatest strength. »

These comments echoed the recall of the two players, as well as those of Samuel Piette and Jonathan Sirois, with the maple leaf in view of the crucial match on March 23 against Trinidad and Tobago for qualification for the Copa América, the next summer.

A summons that Waterman believes he “deserved”. And his MLS statistics prove it. In 2023, the 28-year-old guard was the second most used outfield player by Montreal, behind Choinière. He completed 86.9% of his passes last year for second on the team, behind Samuel Piette (87.9%) – and excluding Ousman Jabang and his 75 minutes. He is, by far, the one who completed the most passes under Hernán Losada (1430).

The sample size is still small for 2024, but among players who have played more than 200 minutes for the CFM, he dominates each of the previously mentioned categories. The defender also made 17 clearances in three games, placing him fourth in MLS so far.

All this to say that beyond the performance perceptible to the naked eye, Waterman has become one of the most important elements of CF Montreal. Particularly since Camacho’s departure to Columbus, which allowed him to establish himself in the center of defense.

“That’s nice of him,” he replied, smiling, when informed of the description of general used by Choinière. I would never give myself that title. I like this role, I can see everything, I can control the position, I can tell the guys where to stand and organize things. I think I can excel in this role. I’m grateful and honored that the coaching staff entrusted him to me. It’s working so far, but I need to continue working on the basics and demonstrate my leadership. »

For his head coach Laurent Courtois, it is “still a little early” to give Joel Waterman the nickname “general”. Note that Courtois never misses the opportunity to talk about “General Ciman” when talking about his Belgian colleague.

“The personal and organizational defensive aspect, there is progress to be made,” admits the technician. How to verbalize what he sees on the ground before others is another story too. »

“On the other hand, I think he has the potential,” he assures. He has the tactical, technical background and personality to be a great leader. And, ultimately, a general. I’ve had the chance to see quality players (in my career), and Joel is one of them. (…) He really is a very high level player. I think he has no limits. »

A new wave with Canada

We said it: the confrontation of the Reds against the Soca Warriors in a little over a week, it will be decisive. Canada has already failed in its attempt to qualify directly for the Copa by losing at home against Jamaica at BMO Field in Toronto in the fall.

A victory against T&T would lead to the last available place in Group A, where Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Peru and Chile find themselves. The opportunity is too good, too big, and above all too rare to miss. The Copa América, a South American competition organized by CONMEBOL, has not hosted teams from CONCACAF since 2016.

For this crucial meeting on March 23, coach Mauro Biello decided to deploy a new wave within the Canadian squad. Exit Milan Borjan and Steven Vitória: the players called up, with the exception of Jonathan Osorio, are all under 30 years old.

“I had a good conversation with Mauro about the mentality of the national team,” reveals Waterman. There are new guys coming in, and it’s a big opportunity for them. But that doesn’t change the fact that we need a result. We have to go to the Copa América. »

It is also a first recall for Jonathan Sirois, who will try to do battle with Maxime Crépeau and Dayne St. Clair in front of him on the board.

“People have seen him become an excellent, confident, powerful goalkeeper who is good at getting out of his box and making the necessary saves,” Waterman analyzes. He was fantastic for us. I have seen him flourish since his arrival (in Montreal). He deserves this reminder. »