In the Nick of time
Nick Andreola is an important and versatile contributor in a variety of roles for the St. Catharines Club Roma Wolves League1 men’s team.
The 23-year-old A.N. Myer graduate is comfortable at any of the midfield positions, a luxury head coach Federico Turriziani doesn’t take for granted.
“He’s a very important piece of this team,” Turriziani said. “He can play three different positions and that allows me every week to organize and set different formations and know that no matter where he plays, he helps our club out a lot.”
Andreola suits up at the six position (holding midfielder) the eight (central midfield) and the 10 ( attacking midfielder).
“I feel growing up what my coaches instilled in me was being a soccer player and not being stuck to just one position and developing the good habits and technical skills you need to play anywhere on the field,” he said.
Andreola has his preferences, but isn’t fussy as long as he is in the lineup.
“Obviously, I like being in the centre of the pitch and involved in the action but whether it’s higher up as a 10 or sitting as a six or doing the work as an eight, it really doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “Wherever the coaches put me, I’m OK with.”
Andreola said the key to his versatility is a willingness to have an open mind.
“It’s not that difficult. All you have to do is listen to instructions. Each position has different instructions and as long as you understand that and stick to your role, you’ll be good.”
Andreola, who recently gradated from Laurier with a degree in business and math, is also a natural leader.
“He’s one of the top players and I’m very happy he’s with us for the fourth year now,” Turriziani said. “He’s the captain and one of the most important players.
“His leadership is there. He doesn’t yell or scream. He’s a very quiet guy but when he talks he knows what he has to say. He helps me a lot. He’s a very positive guy.”
Andreola played four years at Laurier which he said also helped develop his game.
“It’s been huge. My coach at Laurier, Mario Halapir, was amazing. He taught us how to be a team, how to be a player. He was really big in my development as a soccer player and the quality is similar to here. It’s a pretty easy transition, especially if you’re staying fit all year around.”
Andreola plans to continue his studies for a Master’s degree and then attend law school, but has no plans to give up soccer at the moment.
“Eventually it will get to a point where I have to make a decision, but as long as I’m healthy and still able to play at this level, I don’t see why not.”
The Wolves, 1-4-2, tied Toronto FC Academy 1-1 Friday night at Roma.
Luca Ragagnin netted the goal for St. Catharines.
The Wolves visit Waterloo Friday, June 14.
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