Through two games, Ilsinho has already emerged as a key cog in the Philadelphia Union attack, starting twice and playing an important role in Philly’s surprising 2-1 win over Columbus this past weekend.
But there’s still a whole other level the Brazilian midfielder hasn’t come close to reaching.
“He’s a special player,” Union head coach Jim Curtin said after Tuesday’s training session. “We need him on the ball more – as much as we possibly can. … The games haven’t shown yet how good he is.”
As is often the case with first-year foreign players, there have been some difficulties adapting to a new country and a new league for Ilsinho, who spent much of the past decade with Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.