Minnesota United completed the first major signing of the close season, acquiring Michael Boxall on a three year contract from the upcoming 2020 campaign.
Having signed a long-term contract with the Loons, the New Zealand international reckons that his style of play will only help Minnesota United for 2020 and help them reach the MLS Cup playoffs again:
THE HISTORY
Boxall began his youth career at Three Kings United and Mount Albert Grammar School before moving to Vancouver Whitecaps in 2011.
He made his professional debut against Toronto FC in March 2011 and went on to make 19 appearances for Vancouver, making six appearances for the Whitecaps, before completing a move to Wellington Phoenix in July 2012.
The defender spent two years in New Zealand, mostly playing as backup to the likes of Ben Sigmund and Andrew Durante before being loaned out to Oakleigh Cannons.
Boxall made 39 appearances in total for Wellington, totalling 2 goals and zero assists. In January 2017, he completed a move to Minnesota United.
The New Zealander quickly established himself as one of the leading defenders in Major League Soccer and so far during his time at United, Boxall has played 83 times in all competitions, scoring four goals.
Boxall represented Holland at U20 and Olympic levels, making 26 appearances, before making his senior debut against China in March 2011.
The defender has played 31 times for his country, although he has yet to score.
THE PROSPECTS
Having struggled defensively for a number of seasons, Minnesota United will hope that Boxall’s arrival at Allianz Field will provide more solidity at the back.
Last season they conceded 43 goals, 28 fewer than they did the previous season, which allowed them to make the run to the playoffs, ultimately going down at the first hurdle.
Boxall will bring a number of different qualities to the Loons defence, with his presence in the air and ability to produce clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI) vital for Heath’s rearguard.
Boxall’s ball-winning ability will also help improve Minnesota at the back – over these featured time frames, he registered successful tackle rates of 86.8%, 84.8% and 91.7%.
He is also extremely comfortable on the ball and can help initiate attacks from the back with his impressive passing range.
The New Zealander’s ability to switch play with his long cross-field passes could provide a new dimension to the Liverpool attack, potentially getting the ball to wide men Kevin Molino and Osvaldo Alonso with more space to operate in.
Indeed, his long-pass accuracy was one of the best in Major League Soccer, the season just gone and far superior to any of the other central defensive options available to Heath.
One of the biggest failings with the Minnesota defence in recent seasons has been the number of individual errors. But Boxall is one of only four centre-backs to play over 60 Premier League matches over the past three seasons without making a single error leading to a goal.
Clearly, then, there are a number of facets to his game that can help the new arrival claim bonus points when Minnesota keep a clean sheet, thanks to his suitability to the Major League Soccer Fantasy Bonus Points System.
The New Zealand international’s goal threat is also impressive. He has a strong scoring record throughout his career, with that aerial ability at set-pieces and his powerful long-range shooting, both from direct free-kicks and open-play, making Boxall a real threat.
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