Talles Magno is ready to make a name for himself as one of the brightest stars in MLS.
Hailed by Head Coach Nick Cushing in preseason for his desire and determination to step up in 2023, the Brazilian says he is hungry to hit new heights.
Having already opened his goalscoring account with Saturday’s opener against D.C. United, the forward asserts he is eager to push on, and show exactly what he can do in the team’s fight for silverware.
“This season, I feel very good,” he declared. “I feel very motivated. I am very happy to have scored the first goal.
“I put up some pretty good numbers last season. This season, I want to maintain that, and improve on that: score more goals, give more assists, and help the team to reach higher levels.
“On a personal level, I just want to be recognized as one of the best players in MLS this season.”
Operating as a central striker this term, the attacker is adapting his role, having previously been employed in a wide position, adding new strings to his bow.
The 20-year-old says he has learned a lot, soaking up the advice from those around him, to help take his game to the next level.
“The experience has definitely helped me learn, and adapt more to playing the number nine,” he reflected.
“Obviously, it’s a different position – there are different runs, different angles that you have to work on…
“As a number nine, it’s important obviously to score goals – but it’s the workrate that goes in also, apart from scoring the goals.
“That’s something I’m really working on: being a complete number nine, and helping out in the workrate aspect.
“In training, I learned a lot from the coaches, and the staff, especially [Assistant Coach] Kléberson.
“I speak a lot with Gabby Pereira. We are always looking at the best ways to attack the opposition – how to move, how to open up space…
“There are definitely a lot of conversations going in on pregame, and during the match. Playing with him, and also Thiago [Andrade], motivates me a lot because we give each other the freedom to shoot whenever we have the space.
“Whenever he shoots, I’m not looking for the shot, or yelling at him that he didn’t pass me the ball – and likewise between us three. Between us, we motivate each other to take the best scoring opportunity, and attack the opponent that way.
“I’m always learning, and working every single day in training. There’s a lot for me to still continue to learn and grow as a player.”
In addition to scoring his first goal of 2023 (and in front of his visiting family), Talles Magno enjoyed more good news this week, as his pet dog Gigante (Giant) was able to finally join him in NYC.
The pair hit Times Square for a photoshoot to celebrate, and the forward says he is thrilled to have been reunited with his canine companion.
“His name is Gigante, he’s seven years old,” the Brazilian smiled. “He came over with my mom, we were finally able to bring him over.
“He’s going to stay with me for about four months. I’ve been missing him, he’s my dog from home but now he’s going to be here with me.
“We had a nice photoshoot in Times Square, and we were both wearing the same outfit! It’s nice to have him here.”
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