'The intensity is really high' - Thomas Muller impressed by MLS physicality, embraces leadership role in debut

Thomas Muller finally made his MLS debut, and the German legend came away impressed by the league’s intensity. Now, he believes it’s only a matter of time before he finds his rhythm with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“I think in the duels the pace and the intensity is really high,” Muller said in his postmatch press conference. “I can find some points where the team can improve...I'm now here for a week. Maybe it's better to ask me this question after a few months.”

Muller also touched upon his position within the Whitecaps formation, coming on as a replacement for Jeevan Badwal as the number 10 in the 61st minute.

“Yes, I always played during my career almost between the lines, in the pockets,” Muller said when asked if his role is what he expected. “Even if I started on the right wing, I was always finding gaps in the box as well. Do my runs, do my work against the ball. So, normal stuff.

“Try to be as dangerous as well, to strike a goal or to score a goal. And find the last pass...I feel quite comfortable in this role in the gaps, in the left gap, right gap.”

Despite having barely settled in Vancouver, Muller revealed he felt instantly comfortable directing teammates and organizing defensive structures during his limited minutes, explaining that communication has always been fundamental to his playing style, regardless of team or competition.

“Yes, yes, 100 percent,” Muller explained when asked about his role as the leader on the field. “Um, yeah. Jesper [Sorensen] expected from me, but he knew before when they brought me in, that this is natural behavior of me."

He added, “If I'm on the pitch, I try to organise my own position first, but when I see something, what I think is good for the team to adapt about positioning or intensity, or passing gaps, then I will communicate with my teammates directly. And yeah, I think that that will never change, even if it's my first game.”

Muller made his MLS debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps against the Houston Dynamo, coming off the bench in the 61st minute, and even scored with his first shot on goal, but an offside in the build-up meant that the goal was ruled out. The game ended 1-1 with Brian White opening the scoring in the sixth minute through a penalty before a sensational 90+1 equalizer from José Artur de Lima Junior levelled things up.

Muller and the Vancouver Whitecaps will face St. Louis FC next on Aug. 23 at home, followed by a road trip to face Orlando City on Aug. 30 in MLS.