New England Revolution: Alexander Buttner benefits from time off

The suspension of the season has allowed Alexander Buttner to get healthy. The left-back’s imminent return provides the New England Revolution with a huge boost.

Even though the world is forced to take a break due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, there are some good things to come from it. People are able to learn new things and focus on themselves. And for New England Revolution left-back Alexander Buttner, this is a time of healing. Quite literally.

The Revolution acquired Buttner in 2019 after a quick exit in the MLS Cup playoffs. With Bruce Arena taking over, the team made some splashes. Buttner was acquired as well as MLS veteran Seth Sinovich and Polish striker Adam Buksa among others.

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Unlike Buttner, Buksa was able to make an impact right away. In a short time, he already has his first goal with the New England Revolution and showed at least glimpses of why Arena and co. were willing to use one of their precious Designated Player slots to acquire him.

Buttner, however, entered the season with a leg injury. But thankfully he is all healed now, and, once play resumes, which it is currently hoped for will be in June, his scheduled return to training and first-team should be a big boost to New England’s back four:

“The only thing [that was] disappointing was my injury in the start of the season,” Buttner told club reporter Elizabeth Pehota via mlssoccer.com. “So, finally I’m fit but we cannot play. I’m good now, my leg feels good. I have no problems anymore.”

New England’s center-backs had a strong start to the season. Henry Kessler and Andrew Farrell looked like they had played seasons together in the opening two matches, even though Kessler is just a rookie.

At full-back, the Revs are okay, too. On the right side, Brandon Bye was looking good and was able to notch an assist early on, but the left-back is an interesting situation. So far this season, DeJuan Jones has been handed the starting role. Jones is a speedy defender who can be a big help when pushing forwards.

But Buttner’s history speaks for himself. Obviously, his time at Manchester United sticks out. He appeared in 28 games and had two goals and three assists. He even won a Premier League title while in England. Having the experience of playing at a top-flight club makes Buttner an interesting acquisition, especially at the lower level of MLS play.

In more recent seasons, Buttner has played well for Vitesse Arnhem. He had 28 appearances with two goals and four assists in Holland. He offers the same type of offensive threat in wide areas as Jones but comes with more experience and defensive solidity. He has been signed to be a starter, and the man that has ample European experience will surely be given the chance to prove himself Stateside.

After a rough start to the season, the New England Revolution need all the help they can get ahead of a 2020 campaign full of expectations. With Buttner back and ready, then, expect to see the former Manchester United provide a big boost to Arena’s defence.