In one short year, United midfielder Paul Arriola has gone from one of the least-experienced players on the U.S. Men's National Team's roster to a leader in this year's January Camp. The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout year with the national team in 2017, as the new face on the wing brought a surge of energy and technical finesse to the American lineup. But after failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the USMNT brought in a slew of new faces to this year's January Camp, leaving Arriola as one of the most experienced players in camp. Now, the midfielder is stepping into a leadership role with the squad, as he tries to help usher in the next wave of American prospects.
"It's extremely important for me to be a strong leader—to help my teammates and always encourage them, but at the same time it's a very serious time for us," Arriola said. "We're here to work and make sure what happened to us in October never happens to us again."
With the influx of first-time national team players, Arriola (15 caps) is now the third-most capped player on the camp's roster. As new players navigate their first national team call-ups, Arriola is striving to take on a more veteran position, using his voice and presence on the pitch to help acclimate and guide the first-time January campers, such as United teammates Russell Canouse and Ian Harkes. And while the sting of the failed qualification attempt still looms, Arriola is determined to help lead a resurgence within the USMNT that results in a stronger, more resilient American side moving forward.
"The best way to move forward is to always remember it and use it as motivation," Arriola said. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, so I think in four years we'll be a lot stronger and ready for what's to come."
Arriola will strive to continue his leadership streak when he returns from January Camp and rejoins his Black-and-Red teammates in United's preseason. The 22-year-old's mindset will carry into the MLS season, as D.C. push to bounce back from a disappointing 2017 campaign. While Arriola is not the oldest nor the most experienced on the roster, he will aim to lead by example on and off the pitch by uniting the team and giving his all to the Black-and-Red.
"Being a leader is about stuff on the field and off the field," Arriola said. And with United's 2018 season and the Audi Field opener just around the corner, Arriola will be focused on setting the standard on the field and off the field for the Black-and-Red.
