At only 20 years of age, Lions Homegrown center back Tommy Redding is still young in terms of age, but with almost four years of professional experience under his belt and multiple call-ups to different U.S Youth National Teams, he can be considered quite mature as a professional.
With Jonathan Spector out due to injury, the Lions defender looks to step into the big shoes that the veteran center back has left vacant, and help lead the Orlando backline through their last few games of the season.
“I think, in general, whenever any of us are on the field, we want to take a leadership role,” Redding said after training Wednesday, “Now without Jonathan, who’s a key player for the team, obviously, and last week with me and Leo, two very young players, it’s important for us to learn quickly, and on the job, how to become leaders of the team and make sure everything is organized. So, definitely all three of us are looking at that and thinking we need to step up. It’s really important for our team right now.”
Redding has experience in that leadership role, having captained the U-17 and U-20 U.S National Teams at various points during his tenure with the Lions, going back all the way to 2014 when he signed with the club. Having that experience with the youth teams is a big factor for the young defender to give him the confidence to be able to step into the same role with Orlando City, despite the varying ages and experiences as professionals.
“Here, the guys are veterans and have been playing for years and with the National Team, everyone has the same experience or less than I have, but I think it was important to get that experience with the national team and having that my back pocket starting this off without Spector is big for me to step up for this team.”
For the upcoming game against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, Redding is relishing the moment and the factors surrounding the return home to Orlando City Stadium, including the added pressures of fighting for a playoff position.
“I think it’s important for us to understand that the pressure is good,” Redding said, “It’s good pressure. You want pressure, you don’t want to just coast through it. I personally love the pressure. I think it makes me play better, so I’m looking forward to getting three points Saturday.”
