Canada’s roster for the November international break is packed with surprises, some of them, to put it mildly, are downright fascinating. Eight players from CF Montréal got the call-up in a bold move that’s stirring up both excitement and a bit of side-eye. Canada’s coach, instead of playing it safe with the usual seasoned veterans, decided to open the doors to a younger crop, betting on a squad with that fresh energy, the kind that comes from players with something to prove out there.
One name that jumps out? Alessandro Biello, the 18-year-old midfielder who’s been the big fish for Canada’s U-20s. But now? He’s no longer in the kiddie pool. Sure, he’s got the background as captain of the U-20s, but this is a whole other league, a different kind of weight, and a level of responsibility that can make even the best feel the pressure. You can almost feel his nerves kicking in as he slips on Canada’s senior jersey for the first time. But maybe, just maybe, it’s that exact hunger to make his mark that his coach is banking on seeing in action. Biello’s got that mix of youthful guts and nervous ambition that could catch not just the opponent off guard, but maybe his coach too.
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And he’s not alone. Raheem Edwards, at 29, is back in the lineup after a long break. His last call-up was way back in November 2022, when he clocked 59 minutes against Bahrain. To many, he seemed like a name that had faded into the background, a relic from a time when he was a more familiar face in Canada’s backline.
Then there’s Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, another curious addition. A teenager during his first call-up in 2021, he holds the record as the youngest player ever to don Canada’s jersey. There’s talk out there that Marshall-Rutty is packed with raw potential, a bit like an unpolished gem. But for now, he still has a ways to go in proving he’s worth the hype.
Nathan Saliba, yet another young up-and-comer, is part of this “Canadian youth wave” that’s winning over fans. At just 20, he made his senior debut in September and was part of Canada’s hard-fought win over Panama in October. Saliba has this quiet fire about him; he’s not the type to hog headlines, but he’s out there stringing plays together and steadying the team without needing applause. His quick rise is a breath of fresh air for fans craving new blood in the lineup, especially players who can bring balance and strategy to the midfield.
Now, Jonathan Sirois, a name that’s becoming familiar, is on his third consecutive call-up. For a 23-year-old goalie, this is huge. It signals he’s earning the trust needed to be seen as a solid option between the posts. Game by game, he’s being tested, and so far, he’s shown he’s up to the challenge.
For Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, this call-up represents his first golden shot after just being a name on the provisional list. He’s the kind of player who, in certain cases, might feel like he’s “just filling out the squad,” but now he’s got a chance to prove he’s a whole lot more than a name on the roster. He’s the kind of wild card a coach could pull out to flip the game on its head.
Joel Waterman also brings an interesting dynamic to this squad. With experience facing Panama and recently going head-to-head with the U.S. in the 2024 Copa América, he’s got that solid defense and firm stance that can bring much-needed security when things get tight on the field.
What’s fascinating about this mix of rookies and seasoned players is Canada’s not just playing for today, they’re planting seeds for a serious future. If Biello, Saliba, and Marshall-Rutty shine, who knows where they’ll be in five or ten years? Maybe leading Canada into a World Cup, taking on established giants and making the nation a force to be reckoned with.
On one side, you’ve got the old guard, vets like Edwards, bringing experience and a sense of responsibility. On the other, there’s this hungry generation, itching for victory, with bright eyes and big dreams of cementing their place on the squad. This blend of grit and youthful ambition might just be the missing piece Canada’s been looking for to carve out a stronger identity in the world of soccer.