Tayvon Gray is pursuing constant development as part of Nick Cushing's first team roster.
The former academy product emerged into the first team in 2021 playing as a right back, but in recent weeks has been moved inside as a central defender in a back three.
The position is not unfamiliar to Gray, who spent the majority of his time in the academy as a central defender. Speaking about what he aims to accomplish this year, his reply was simple.
"What I want to accomplish is really just get better every day," he said.
"In terms of working on stuff, yeah, I think offensively I've been working on my game and training and stuff like that. I've been working on my crossing, of course.
"I've been playing in the middle so I haven't really had to do that much, but I'm definitely working on my game.
"I think my best position is as a center back. When I came here there were four center backs already. I think right back just gave me a better chance to compete and a better chance for minutes so I kind of just went with it."
Gray has been playing alongside teammate and fellow homegrown Justin Haak. The Brooklyn native is less familiar with playing as a defender, but Gray confirmed they have helped each other with the adjustment.
"I think that one goes both ways," Gray said of their working relationship.
"I think he's also helped me and I've helped him. I've known him for a very long time. So I think the chemistry is pretty good."
Philadelphia Union are the next test awaiting Gray and his teammates, and the defender feels the focus should be on entering the contest with a mindset of winning.
"I don't think it's complicated," he said.
"I think you just go into the game with the mindset of winning. I think it's pretty straightforward. I don't think we need to like go around it or anything like that.
"I think it'd be good to get that win going into Leagues Cup.
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