Justin Haak is pleased with his current form as he continues to learn his new role as a central defender.
The Brooklyn native emerged from the Club’s academy as a holding midfielder, but he has found more recent success playing as part of a back-three formation under Nick Cushing.
Cushing has consistently praised Haak’s worth ethic and commitment to improving, with the 21-year-old still keen to learn more about his new role in the team.
“I've been happy so far,” Haak said of his recent form.
“I think, obviously, it was a new position and it still is a new position that I’m learning. I think each game I’ve been getting a little bit better.
“We’ve put a lot of work in defensively, being comfortable with each other building relationships back there.
“It's nice to see it come together with a good win in Montréal and a clean sheet. Hopefully we can continue that on Wednesday versus Charlotte."
When asked if he could see himself playing the position long-term, Haak added; "I'm never not open to playing so wherever there's an opportunity to play [I'll play]. I don't remember exactly when but we have talked about me playing center back in the past, like a year or two ago, but it just never materialized.
"Now that it's here I definitely feel like my performances have been good so far. There's still a lot more that I can learn and get better at, but if it continues going in the right direction, I don't see why not."
Haak has had to be patient in waiting for his opportunity after making his MLS debut in 2019.
The 21-year-old was sent out twice on loan to Hartford Athletic, and while those spells helped develop his game, the midfielder was also required to be patient.
Leaning on teammates for guidance, Haak credited the role of Maxime Chanot in giving him important advice.
“I wouldn't say that it has been easy all the time,” Haak said of his journey toward regular minutes.
“I think there are times where you're very frustrated, and you feel like you could be giving more to the team.
“In my years that I've been here I've had senior players, Maxime Chanot especially, that have helped guide me.
“He always just reminded me that it's a long career and that for most players it takes time to get your chance.
“It takes time to get opportunities, but you can only control what you can control, and that's working hard every day, and hopefully one day you'll get the chance and then it's up to you to take it.”
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