CARY, N.C.– When you’re in a position like Marky Delgado at Toronto FC, it’s hard not to be sponge-like with information.
Before he left Ontario for the United States men’s national team camp in North Carolina, Delgado received plenty of advice from USMNT stalwarts Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.
“Mike gives me pretty much straight to the point advice,” Delgado said. “Just be sharp and be ready when you get there. Jozy is always telling me things that can happen when you do well with the national team. That’s always exciting so I’m always having conversations with definitely Jozy, and Mike’s given me some advice here and there.”
In addition to receiving advice from the USMNT players on Toronto’s roster, Delgado draws from fellow central midfielders, such as Victor Vazquez.
“They’re always helping me out whenever I could’ve made a better decision,” Delgado said. “It’s always good to have them there and giving advice.”
Although he’s 22 years old, Delgado entered USMNT camp as one of the most experienced players at the club level. He’s played in 113 games over seven seasons between Chivas USA and Toronto FC.
Throughout his time in MLS, Delgado stuck true to himself and worked on getting better with each season.
“I just stayed true to myself and stuck to my game, which is a one-two touch type of play,” Delgado said. “Keeping the ball moving and not holding the ball too long. Maybe my fast speed of play is what got me on the field because you’ll always have those other players who can create and make plays. I always say I’m there to keep the ball moving and really keep the play moving forward and effectively.”
The USMNT should benefit from Delgado’s style of play on Tuesday against Paraguay, as interim manager Dave Sarachan tries to get a feel for which of the new players work best.
For everyone in camp, the goal each day is to build chemistry with players they didn’t meet before last week.
“I’m really getting to know everyone everyday individually little by little,” Delgado said. “Some people I haven’t even heard of so getting to know them is a good experience to get to know them and become friends and now we can follow one another throughout our careers.”
Delgado is in a different situation than most in camp, as he has a club teammate in goalkeeper Alex Bono training alongside him. The Toronto FC pair are one of two MLS duos in camp, while Columbus Crew’s Zack Steffen and Wil Trapp are the other.
“It’s a good experience. It’s good to have a familiar face around,” Delgado said. “Getting to know everyone is a big part of this camp, really getting to know one another and really getting our chemistry down. Knowing (Bono) is already here, it’s a good thing. We’re good companions and joke around a lot and it’s good to have him around.”
The new faces present a competitive landscape for the contest at Sahlen’s Stadium, home of USL side North Carolina FC and the NWSL’s North Carolina Courage. With so many players striving for a chance to start, the USMNT is expected to trot out a side in search of a few goals against an experienced Paraguay side.
“The competition is at a very high level and a lot of people are hungry here,” Delgado said. “They’re trying to prove a point and keep their spots on the national team so training sessions have been intense and everyone’s been putting in good days of work. I feel like the level has been very high and coming into this game we’ll be ready for it.”