Carles Gil: MLS has been a positive surprise since arriving from Europe

Calling Carles Gil’s first season with the New England Revolution a resounding success would be an understatement, especially after he took home MLS Newcomer of the Year and Best XI honors in 2019.

Gil, who arrived two winters ago as a Designated Player from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna, has seen his new adventure take off.

“Regarding the league, it has been a positive surprise,” Gil told Stats Perform News in a recent interview. “I think we have a different view in Europe about what this league is. Probably we think it has a much lower level than it actually has, by looking at players who come here to end their career. This is changing a lot and we will be aware of it as the years go by.”

In New England, Gil is joined by forwards Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa as DPs. Instead of players in their mid-to-late 30s who are nearing retirement, they’re dangerous attackers who are in their prime.

Revolution fans are excited by what that trio can accomplish, given that Gil’s inaugural MLS season included 10 goals and 14 assists while playing all but eight regular-season minutes. Bou, a midsummer signing, had nine goals and two assists in 14 matches, and Buksa scored in his home debut against the Chicago Fire FC.

Their combinations could help Gil recapture the form that powered inspiring Premier League performances at Aston Villa, or his professional breakthrough at Valencia. The 27-year-old is back on track.

“Personally, my experience of the MLS has been great,” Gil said. “One of the reasons I came here was due to the confidence they showed in me. I wanted to get back to the level I couldn’t show in previous years.”

For more from Gil, check out the entire interview here.