Victor Wanyama handed massive opportunity to end bench role at CF Montreal

Victor Wanyama during warm up

Victor Wanyama handed massive opportunity to end bench role at CF Montreal

Joel Omotto 06:32 - 21.06.2024

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has received a big boost in his quest to end his nightmare spell at CF Montreal due to limited midfield options at the cub.

Victor Wanyama has a great opportunity to regain his place in the starting XI at CF Montreal as his main rivals have left the team for international duty.

Wanyama has turned into a bit-part player at Montreal since the middle of last season, having to contend with bench roles, after falling down the pecking order among the club’s midfielders.

Canadian midfielders Mathieu Choiniere, Samuel Piette and Nathan Saliba have all surged ahead of Wanyama in terms of preferred midfield options at the club, forcing him into late substitute roles or sometimes not even in the squad.

Wanyama has featured in just nine of Montreal’s 18 league games this season, with two of those being starts.

His only other start was in a cup game, showing how peripheral he has become even after coach Laurent Courtois promised him a change of fortunes when he replaced Hernan Losada before the start of this campaign.

However, Wanyama could be about to get some extended stay in the team if he can grab his opportunity as Montreal will have to do without dependable midfield duo Choiniere and Piette who are with the Canada national team for the Copa America tournament that started on Friday morning in the United States.

The Canadians faced off with holders Argentina and the two players are key cogs for Jesse Marsch’s side.

If the Canadians have an extended run in the tournament, which runs until July 15, then Montreal would miss them for up to six games as they have a packed schedule until July 18.

The pair’s absence is already being felt as the MLS side threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with New York Red Bulls on Thursday morning in a match that Wanyama started on the bench.

In the duo’s absence, Courtois fielded youngsters Bryce Duke and Saliba in central midfield but with limited options, Wanyama will likely get his chance to impress again in the upcoming matches.

The former Harambee Stars captain will hope to grab his opportunity and run away with it to make it difficult for his rivals to dislodge him again when they return.

Montreal next play away to Colorado Rapids which could be the start of a change in fortunes for Wanyama.

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