:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62822916/usa_today_11682384.0.jpg)
Kyle Beckerman had what most would consider a very good season with RSL. The guy who did more to change RSL culture than anyone else continues to tribute to this club in a big way. He has clearly earned favor with head coach Mike Petke as well. In fact, in 2018 Beckerman played the most minutes he has since 2008. Not only that, but the minutes he put in in 2018 were the third most of his career.
He ended the year with one goal and one assist, but goals and assists have never really been his main contribution. He’s a pure leader through his intensity and his effort. That did not change last season and it will not change going forward. In his final press conference, Mike Petke made clear that it is not wise to talk about retirement with the captain. Perhaps more importantly, he reiterated that Beckerman is consistently at the top of the charts the staff gets after practice which measures work rate.
The only difference in Kyle Beckerman’s play these days is that he cannot cover the ground that he once was able to cover. That is by no means detrimental and can easily be mitigated by placing the right player beside him.
It is likely that this is why RSL just signed midfielder Everton Luiz from Serie A. He seems to be a complimentary piece that will either complement Beckerman or somehow share minutes with him. We will have to wait and see on that one.
In the end, it is safe to assume that Beckerman will be a big contributor for Real Salt Lake in 2019 and he will continue to mentor the academy products to take the reins.