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Give & Go: Indiana University’s Eric Alexander
The MLS combine is here and Goal.com recently spoke with one of it's hopefuls.
Jan 8, 2010 8:37:51 AM
Central midfielder Eric Alexander, yet another product of the Indiana Hoosiers program, is looking forward to competing at this weekend’s MLS Combine. His training included time spent with teammate and fellow combine invitee Ofori Sarkodie and current MLS player and IU alum Brad Ring.
He spoke with Goal.com before leaving for the MLS Combine.
Goal.com: Have you reflected on being selected team captain in 2009?
Eric Alexander: I haven't too much really. I enjoyed it and it was a honor to be looked up to by the kids on the team.
Goal.com: Did it alter the way you approached your play on the field?
Alexander: At first it did, trying to be an example on the field of being a perfect player but sometimes that can lead to more mistakes. After a while, it kind of goes to the back of your head and I just returned to my game.
Goal.com: Who did you pattern your game after growing up?
Alexander: I can't really name anybody in particular. It was kind of a mold of a bunch of different coaches playing styles and how I was needed on the field. I played for a few different teams growing up so I was always utilized differently and now I would like to think I'm just a good blend of everything!
Goal.com: How do you think your first touch will be once you get down to Florida?
Alexander: Hopefully good like a goal or something! But really I'm sure it will just be normal and controlled.
Goal.com: Is there an advantage to having a teammate at the combine?
Alexander: Definitely! Ofori is a good friend so it will give me someone to talk to and help me keep my mind off of soccer and over thinking the whole process. It will just help me relax and be more comfortable because I don't know a lot of the kids going.
Goal.com: Is there one aspect of your game that you have worked on to improve heading into the combine?
Alexander: Not one aspect in particular. Just keeping every aspect sharp is important for me at this point. There isn't enough time to improve one part a great deal so I think its more important to stay sharp in all areas of the game.
Goal.com: What are your goals for the combine?
Alexander: My goals for the combine are to have a good time and enjoy the great soccer that is going to be played. I know there is a lot riding on this but the more I think about it, the more I stray away from my game, so I just want to go have fun and do my best!
Sean Grybos, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page!
He spoke with Goal.com before leaving for the MLS Combine.
Goal.com: Have you reflected on being selected team captain in 2009?
Eric Alexander: I haven't too much really. I enjoyed it and it was a honor to be looked up to by the kids on the team.
Goal.com: Did it alter the way you approached your play on the field?
Alexander: At first it did, trying to be an example on the field of being a perfect player but sometimes that can lead to more mistakes. After a while, it kind of goes to the back of your head and I just returned to my game.
Goal.com: Who did you pattern your game after growing up?
Alexander: I can't really name anybody in particular. It was kind of a mold of a bunch of different coaches playing styles and how I was needed on the field. I played for a few different teams growing up so I was always utilized differently and now I would like to think I'm just a good blend of everything!
Goal.com: How do you think your first touch will be once you get down to Florida?
Alexander: Hopefully good like a goal or something! But really I'm sure it will just be normal and controlled.
Goal.com: Is there an advantage to having a teammate at the combine?
Alexander: Definitely! Ofori is a good friend so it will give me someone to talk to and help me keep my mind off of soccer and over thinking the whole process. It will just help me relax and be more comfortable because I don't know a lot of the kids going.
Goal.com: Is there one aspect of your game that you have worked on to improve heading into the combine?
Alexander: Not one aspect in particular. Just keeping every aspect sharp is important for me at this point. There isn't enough time to improve one part a great deal so I think its more important to stay sharp in all areas of the game.
Goal.com: What are your goals for the combine?
Alexander: My goals for the combine are to have a good time and enjoy the great soccer that is going to be played. I know there is a lot riding on this but the more I think about it, the more I stray away from my game, so I just want to go have fun and do my best!
Sean Grybos, Goal.com
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page!
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