Alex Tambakis has a bright future at Atlanta United, according to his position coach at Charleston.
Tambakis, the first player signed by the MLS expansion side, will spend this season playing for the Battery in the USL.
While there, Tambakis will receive instruction from Dusty Hudock, the Battery's all-time leader in games played and an MLS veteran.
Hudock spent time last week answering questions about Tambakis:
Q: What were your first thoughts about Tambakis?
He’s worked hard in training. Right attitude. He’s brave.
Sky’s the limit for him.
Q: What are those adjustments?
A: Little tweaks here and there in technique. There’s always something to work on. If he’s not completely ready yet he’s going to be by the time the franchises opens its doors.
He does very well on high ball. He’s very calm when he plays back there.
He can be maybe a little bit louder in terms of communication. I think he knows where guys need to be and I think he’s telling them.
As much as experience as he has, and he’s a tremendous prospect, he doesn’t have that many competitive games under his belt. That’s a different step. He will get there in a short period of time.
Q: What are his skills?
A: No. 1 skill: he’s got the frame for it. Athleticism is there. All the physical tools. Very calm. Doesn’t get flustered. That’s huge. As a goalkeeper in MLS you will take your lumps. There’s no one in that league who doesn’t give up a goal a game.
You are going to concede on occasion. Being able to handle that and stay calm, stay relaxed is a real important attribute.
Q: Will he be the starting goalkeeper for Charleston?
A: We’re still in preseason camp. No definitive. No. 1. I would say he’s doing very well, In the end it will be the decision by the head coach.
Q: What did you mean about him being brave?
A: Talking about throwing yourself head-long, face-first into the challenge. That’s not a given for a goalkeeper at our level.
Not every goalkeeper has that attribute. He will be able to do what you need to.
Q: What did you think when you first saw him?
A: Guys of his size sometimes are uncoordinated, sometimes not athletic, not able to jump.
He’s very much an athlete, fluid in his motions. That was my biggest concern. He would be awkward. He was not.
(Second thing), ‘If you’re not brave, I can’t work with you. You aren’t going to make it.’
I’ve given him a few points and he’s tried to apply them. He’s willing to learn.
I’m excited about the prospect of working with him this season. I think he will improve as the season progresses.
About the Author
