The impact of attackers in football is well documented and they usually receive more praises than those of the defenders. However, more and more the importance of a calm, focused, and confident leader in defense is key in the success of any team.
Just look at the impact Van Dijk has made on Liverpool.
Solihull Moors fans believe that they have their own Van Dijk in Barbados international defender, Krystian Pearce.
Pearce has made his presence felt since joining Solihull Moors from Mansfield Town. He led the way in knocking League Two side Scunthorpe United out of the Emirate FA Cup competition and he also has two goals and two clean sheets in four matches.
What Solihull Moors got with Pearce is a defender who has played more than 400 games for a number of EFL clubs and international experience as an England youth international and a Barbados senior international.
The team at Man On Magazine got a chance to sit “virtually” with Pearce and this is what he had to say.
Man On: How does it feel to be back playing football after the COVID-19 lockdown?
Pearce: It’s great to be back. It was a long time away and it was difficult at times but it definitely makes you grateful for what you do have and really appreciate things a lot more. It definitely puts things into perspective.
Man On: How has COVID Impacted your training and playing?
Pearce: It definitely makes a big difference. There’s only a certain level and type of training you can do on your own. Now that things have relaxed a bit more and I’m back in full training I definitely feel the difference in my sharpness and intensity.
Man On: Your performance at Solihull Moors has seen you score two goals in four matches, and two clean sheets in the same time as well as helping your club advance in the FA Cup. It is not normal for a Central Defender to come in and rack up goals. How does it feel to come into a new club and make such a major impact?
Pearce: It’s definitely been a positive start but it’s only a start and something I want to build on. I learnt early in my career that you can’t get comfortable in this game and always have to push forward and try to get to that next level whatever that may be.
Man On: You have become, very quickly, a fan favourite for Solihull Moor. What are 3 things you would like Solihull Moor and Bajan fans know about you?
Pearce: Well the first thing I would want the fans to know is that I’m always going to give everything I have to the team. I’m very passionate about football and like to think it shows on the pitch.
I would also like fans to know that I’m very ambitious and want to help raise the profiles of club and the nation.
The last thing I want people to know is that I’m very hands on with the younger players and next generation coming through. I want to use my experience and knowledge of the game to help them in their careers.
Man On: Speaking of Bajan fans. What are your thoughts on Barbados’ World Cup & Gold Cup group draw?
Pearce: I’m looking forward to it. We’re going to be looked at as underdogs in some games but we have to use that to our advantage and play with no fear.
On the flip side there are also games where we will feel confident of a win but we’re still going to have to make sure we work hard and don’t get complacent. As I said earlier you can never get comfortable.
Man On: What do you want the players, fans and public to know when it comes to Barbados’ chances in the competition?
Pearce: Like I touched on earlier not many people will fancy our chances on qualifying but we are confident we can cause a few upsets and make history. Our squad is constantly evolving and moving forward.
Man On: Additional question. You mentioned earlier about helping the next generation of young footballers. You also have your own academy back in England, can you tell us about that and will it be coming to Barbados at some point?
Pearce: Yes the academy is called Create One Academy and me and my partner Courtney Richards run it together.
We’re trying to give back and give all the kids from marginalized areas opportunities that weren't available back when we were growing up. It’s progressing well but as you can imagine COVID-19 has impacted that a lot too.
In terms of bringing it to Barbados that’s something that I’m very passionate about and will endeavour to find a way to make it happen. It may start with some summer camps but long term we hope to have a full time base where we can work with players full time.
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