The Way Alexander Runs
Of the players that left NYCFC this offseason, Alexander Callens might be the toughest to replace.
Ask any New York City football fan what they’ll remember most about Alexander Callens and many will regale you with their memory of his championship-clinching penalty kick against Portland that won the MLS Cup. Others may simply reference his overall quality as one of the most well-rounded central defenders in Major League Soccer for more than a half-decade.
But some will remember the way he would run. They wouldn’t be referring to his gait of course, but how he would run with the ball. Callens had a way of scything through an entire defense that felt wholly unique to him, even when slowed down by a non-aerodynamic flat top.
These runs would start out with NYCFC’s standard build-from-the-back play, but sometimes a defense could wall off all forward passing options, cursing the backline to pass among themselves. That was until Callens would single-handedly transform the stalemate into a threatening progression.
It was the type of play that initially elicits a “no, no, no, no'' that suddenly transforms into a “yes, yes, yes” and sometimes crescendos into an “oh my god there’s no way he can actually pull this off right?!”. You know the type, the ones that the coaches could easily draw up on the tactical board.
Few center backs added as much value as a ball carrier as Callens, who ranks 4th among all MLS central defenders in career goals added (g+) above average via dribbling.1 Even fewer have generated value with such chunk progressions. Only Matt Besler outperforms Callens in the number of carries of 20 vertical yards or more and carries into the final third over the past six seasons.
The old adage goes that the best center backs are often unnoticed, but Callens is the rare exception. His propensity to maraud is not just a quirk of his game, but a microcosm of his skill. In his early seasons, these gallivants began as improvisation before growing into a tactical feature last season. Manager Nick Cushing was particularly focused on finding ways to push Callens further upfield where his on-ball acumen could be better utilized.
Last season, Cushing often utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation where the backline shifted toward the left. A holding midfielder offered defensive cover, affording Callens the liberty to venture into advanced positions. His versatility also made him the perfect outside option in a back three where the presence of two central defenders offered security for him to push forward. Later in the season Callens even operated as a left back in a back four, serving as an elbow back when the opposite fullback advanced up the wing.
Regardless of where he was officially “positioned”, Callens’ comfort on the ball consistently added value to NYCFC. He distributed effectively initiating the buildout, leading the team in progressive pass distance in three of the last five seasons.2 His passing skills also were among the best in the league as he topped the league in completed passes over expected among center backs during his tenure with the team. Callens completed 243 passes over expected in this span, 60 more than any other central defender since 2017 and second-most in the entire ASA database.
That impressive number is as much a testament to Callens’ exceptional passing chops as it is to his next-level reliability. In six seasons the ironman logged nearly 16,000 minutes, only surpassed by Andrew Farrell and Tim Parker amongst MLS center backs during the same timeframe. Callens’ combination of attributes powered him to produce the 15th-most g+ above average among central defenders while simultaneously anchoring a defense that conceded the second-fewest non-penalty expected goals per 96 minutes since 2017.
The presence of a left-footed center back within a possession-based scheme is crucial. Central defenders playing on their strong side maximize their passing angles as was evident in Callens’ case, where his left-footedness opened access to valuable corridors when NYCFC played out of the back. This trait sets him apart from many at his position since only ~20% of players are left-footed.3 Having a player of his quality from such scarcity gives a significant advantage to any team lucky enough to have him.
NYCFC enters the 2023 season without that advantage. Despite efforts from the front office, they have been unsuccessful in finding a suitable replacement for Callens. Losing him to another team within City Football Group, even if to La Liga, is a bitter pill to swallow as it raises questions about whether he could have been retained with a designated player (DP) slot. However, this option might not have been practical with a DP slot occupied by fellow center back Thiago Martins, who now faces increased pressure to perform to that billing in Callens’ absence.
Although Callens’ departure from NYCFC disappoints fans, they recognize he deserves this European opportunity. This transfer is even more romantic as he’ll be reunited with former teammates Taty Castellanos and Yangel Herrera at Girona. Callens will be remembered fondly for his tremendous leadership on and off the field, as well as for bringing a joy to the game that will certainly be missed.
Those that follow MLS and NYCFC know just how talented a center back Callens is and are hopeful Girona will give him the freedom to run and shine. Because there’s nothing quite like seeing Alexander Callens run.❧
Image: Max Weber, Athletic Contest
Data from American Soccer Analysis, database goes back through 2013 season.
Callens ranked 1st, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, and 1st on NYCFC in progressive pass distance, via Fbref, from 2018-2022, respectively.
Another 20% of players are considered two-footed.
Excellent article about Alexander Callens, Kevin.