Sacha Kljestan has had himself quite the season for the Supporters' Shield champions, the New York Red Bulls, but what has helped him enjoy so much success in 2015 and throughout his career? His ability to read the game.
Kljestan, who scored eight goals and assisted on 14 others for the Red Bulls this year, gave some insight in a written piece for the Players' Tribune that is part of the What You Don’t Know About series. Kljestan gave a detailed response about how he uses his brain to anticipate plays and set up himself and teammates in the attack.
"If you come to a game and watch me away from the ball, I’m always looking back and forth and over my shoulder, like I’m paranoid or something," wrote Kljestan. "But I’m just taking snapshots and processing a mental map that’s always changing."
Kljestan will be using that ability to read the game in the coming weeks, as he and the Red Bulls look to make a run at MLS Cup. They are currently waiting to see who they will face in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
