Is New England Revolution’s New Defender the Future of MLS? | OneFootball

When New England Revolution announced they’d signed young defender Ilay Feingold, not many folks saw it coming, at least not in the way it’s starting to look now. At just 20 years old, the Israeli star comes from Maccabi Haifa, where he showed some serious chops. He’s now in Boston with a whole lot of hype surrounding him, and fans are wondering: what exactly are we getting here? Is Feingold the missing link that the Revolution need to finally shore up their defense? Or will he just be another name that fades away when you look at the stats at the end of the season?

Let’s face it, New England Revolution hasn’t exactly been a juggernaut in recent years. The club’s had its share of highs and lows, with a defense that’s often been seen as a weak point.

But Feingold isn’t just any player. This kid brings something rare to the table for a young athlete: experience. And when I say experience, I’m not just talking about his 49 appearances for Maccabi Haifa. Nah, he’s got national team experience, too. He went to the 2024 Olympics, and at just 20, he’s already shown he knows what it’s like to compete at the highest level. That’s a massive advantage over a lot of other young guys who might have talent but struggle with the grind of pro ball. Feingold, though? Looks like he’s already got his head screwed on right. His time with the Israeli national team and in international tournaments? Just more feathers in his cap.

But the big question remains: is all that enough to make New England an impenetrable machine? What really sets Feingold apart from the other young defenders who’ve come to MLS and ended up fading into obscurity? This is where the Revolution’s gamble stands out. Feingold isn’t just technical; the guy’s got the perfect blend of skill, smarts, and raw power. In a league as competitive as MLS, that combo is like finding a rare gem. And what New England doesn’t need right now is another “meh” player. They need someone who’s gonna step in and make an impact. Someone with a winner’s mentality. And, from the looks of it, that’s exactly what Feingold brings to the table.

With Brandon Bye and the newly added Damario McIntosh alongside him, Feingold has the chance to turn New England’s right side into an absolute fortress, one that’s tough to crack. Sure, it’s too early to make any sweeping judgments, but the early signs are pretty darn promising.