Aidan Morris reflects on his hot start at Middlesbrough, push for a U.S. men's national team spot
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Morris on move to ChampionshipMidfielder learning under CarrickUSMNT to face Canada SaturdayUSA Today ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Aidan Morris joined Middlesbrough from the Columbus Crew this summer, making the move in a deal reportedly valued at around $4 million (£3m). The Crew Homegrown made his debut against Swansea City on Aug. 10 and, after just five appearances in all competitions, the 22-year-old midfielder has endeared himself to the local fans.
In recognition of his hot start to life in the Championship, Morris was called into the USMNT for friendlies against Canada and New Zealand but, despite how easy he's made it look, Morris says this summer has been a challenge for him.
AdvertisementWHAT MORRIS SAID
"It's been a good transition," he said. "Life's not the easiest moving across the world, away from family and friends, but I've got great teammates over there, so they made the transition easy. Back in Columbus, Wilfred [Nancy] and his whole staff did such a good job with me there. Not only was it not easy for me to have success there, but I think the way he pushed me back in Columbus, it set me up well for different environments around the world, especially England.
"In England, in this league, I think all you guys know if you watch it a lot. It's very physical. It lasts for 90 minutes. I think that's the biggest thing I've taken from it. It's chaotic, it's non-stop. I've tried to have a calming sense to it all and try to calm down games and control a little bit but, yeah, it's been a joy to see a different side of football."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
At Boro, Morris is learning from one of the best midfielders of a generation: Michael Carrick. The ex-Manchester United lynchpin is one of the game's more underrated holding midfielders, having won everything there is to win at Old Trafford.
Carrick is someone that Morris grew up studying and he's enjoying the opportunity to study with someone who accomplished everything a player can.
"It's funny," Morris said, "because I grew up watching him my whole life. My dad used to take me out of school to watch Manchester United growing up, so seeing him when I first got there was surreal. Now being able to work with him, it's been a joy. He's so knowledgeable, as you could see in his career. His vision of the game and everything was one of the best at the time.
"I just try to be a sponge and soak in all the information I can with him around. We've formed a good relationship so far. Hopefully, we will go on to accomplish some good things and take them up to the Premier League."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MORRIS?
Morris will look to make an impression with the USMNT if handed minutes on Saturday against Canada or on Tuesday against New Zealand. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, will be back in action on Sept. 14 when they host Preston.
