UNSUNG HERO THE ENGINE THAT DRIVES CANADA
Midfielder Piette a tireless bulldog who leads team on pitch, in clubhouse
While his name is unlikely to be found on a scoresheet, Samuel Piette’s influence encompasses an entire soccer field.
The Canadian midfielder was instrumental in the 2-0 win over the United States at BMO Field in Toronto a month ago, and he’ll need to excel again in the Nations League Group A rematch here at Exploria Stadium on Friday.
“I think with Sam, he’s that unsung hero — and you get them in a lot of teams — where he’s not scoring the goals, he’s not making that final killer pass, but he’s doing all the things that make a team tick,” said Canada head coach John Herdman.
“He bleeds red. He’s a wonderful human being, that’s the starting point. And he’s a glue on this team. He connects a lot of different groups from the younger generation to the older. He’s a real leader. You see it on the pitch, and we feel it off the pitch.”
A product of Le Gardeur, Que., Piette, who turned 25 on Tuesday, will be making his 46th appearance for Canada on Friday. He has yet to score a goal for his country, but his responsibilities involve so much more. As Montreal Impact fans will attest, Piette is the engine every team needs.
“Piette is a star on and off the pitch,” said Canada striker Alphonso Davies.
“He’s a good guy, he’s a funny guy. On the pitch, he’s a workhorse. He’s keeps our midfield strong, he keeps us in ball possession, he doesn’t really make too many errors.”
Piette began his professional career in the German second division, eventually working his way to the top flight of the Bundesliga with Fortuna Dusseldorf. He went on to play in Spain before returning home to join the Impact.
A defensive midfielder, Piette never stops running and he’s become as important a ball winner to Canada as he is to Montreal.
“I love that role. For me, it’s my bread and butter,” Piette said. “I like to accumulate kilometres, win balls, get interceptions. I know as a player you have to rely on your strengths, and I know
I’m not the most technical guy, I’m not your typical playmaker. I’m more of that pit bull and bulldog type player.
“I think you need that in a team. I think it’s really important so the others around can express themselves, and we have so much quality in our team that I’m willing to do the dirty work, and that fits my style, as well. So I’m really comfortable with my role.”
Piette’s development over the past few years with Canada coincide with the national team’s recent success. Piette has taken his game to another level at both the club and the international level.
Canada is currently first in the Nations League Group A standings and a result against the U.S. would put them into the semifinals of the inaugural regional tournament.
More importantly, it would earn the team valuable points in its quest to be among the top six CONCACAF teams in the world rankings.
A top-six ranking would put Canada in the Hex for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, allowing them to vie for three spots in Qatar.
Canada’s first win over the U.S. in 34 years vaulted them into the top six, but they still have a lot of work ahead to stay there.