Moïse Bombito Is Ready for Jesse Marsch’s Energy and Style of Play

COMMERCE CITY – Moïse Bombito has been called up for the Canadian Men’s National Team. It is the first camp for new head coach Jesse Marsch. It is the final camp before Copa America. Bombito continues to impress for Colorado Rapids. He’s making good impressions on Marsch and Chris Armas, who spent 12 years together between playing for Chicago Fire and coaching at New York Red Bulls.

“He played with Chris when they were in Chicago. He knows his football for sure. He’s energetic just like Chris. The style of play (is similar). He wants to get his ideas implemented. With Canada, we have a lot of athleticism. It’s going to be great to see how we can play with him,” Bombito told Burgundy Wave when asked about Marsch.

Canada will go across the pond to play the Netherlands at De Kuip in Rotterdam on Thursday then France in Bordeaux the following Sunday.

Bombito wasn’t sure a few weeks ago whether he’d be called into this camp or not.

“He’s got the new job so he’s got to look at a lot of players. He’s got to get in contact with some of the players. I’m really excited about the selection. I don’t know if I’m going to get picked. As of right now, I’m playing really well. Doing well with the club. I put all the chances in my favor to get a selection.”

The Master of the Basics broke into Les Rouges last summer during the Gold Cup. He was played out of position at holding midfielder. He was an unused substitute as a center back during the Copa America play in playoffs in March. If he impressing Marsch during this camp and plays well for Colorado, he’s a shoe in for Copa later this month.

“It’s a wish of mine. I’d love to play (in Copa America). We have Argentina in our group as well, so it would be nice to play Messi twice,” referring to Colorado’s 2-2 draw in March.

Bombito’s club coach certainly has spoken well of the player when speaking to his old teammate and boss.

“I have spoken to Jesse. We stay in contact. He had a few decisions to make. He was sought after by a few national teams. He’s really excited for that project, to get back coaching. Canada’s getting a really good coach, a good leader, who has big experiences,” Armas said.

“It’s tremendous for those fairly young players. The best part is their individual performances have earned them callups. The collective team and the overall performances help those guys get in position to really showcase themselves. Moïse certainly deserves the callups. We always miss guys when they leave. These are tremendous experiences for these players and so well deserved,” Armas said of Bombito and Cole Bassett getting called up.

Bombito also has the support of his teammates. He’ll likely miss four games just for the group stage. Djordje Mihailović is rooting for his center back regardless.

“To represent your country at their age, it’s incredible, in one of the world’s biggest tournaments (Copa America). I hope they do something special there.”

I like to say that I’m part Canadian because of my time in Montreal. I’m very proud of him. He gets to play in this competition, two friendlies against some pretty good international teams in the world. This is a great honor. I told him ‘good luck in that stadium. That’s a tough place to play, the Feyenoord stadium.’

Can Bombito break into the starting lineup? How much of an asset will he be given his skillset and the similarities between how his club and country coaches will play? Can he help Canada get out of the group? Will this eventually lead to a big money move to Europe?

Bombi probably puts all the chances in his favor.

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

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