Josh Williams has the potential to be the best soccer player to ever come out of Northeast Ohio. That’s saying a lot, considering that the area has produced the likes of Brad Friedel, Darlington Nagbe, Justin Morrow, and others.
His rise in the professional game has been a meteoric one. Williams has grown from a practice player his first season to a regular MLS starter to a star in one of America’s biggest markets. This is not a surprise to anyone who truly knows Josh. The moment you meet him you see the passion and drive to be the very best.
But going from Copley HS outside Akron, Ohio to playing alongside David Villa and Frank Lampard has been a dramatic transformation. And most believe the best is yet to come from Williams, whose athleticism and versatility make him one of the most coveted defenders in the league. Not that the journey has been easy; that is certainly not the case. But Williams knows that if you really want something, you have to work for it and that is exactly what he has done. No matter what the obstacle, Williams has persevered and gotten better as a result.
All of us here at ISN are excited to see what he does this season and what the step in his career will be. We think it is safe to say that the chance to play overseas or for the U.S. Men’s National Team is just around the corner.
Let’s catch up with Williams in this exclusive Q&A:
1. What was your first reaction when you heard that you were headed to NYCFC in a trade?
I had a lot of initial feelings. I was shocked, disappointed and excited. Shocked that I was actually being traded, disappointed because of the love I have for Columbus and the amount of respect I have for what they are trying to accomplish there, and excited because it’s New York City and I knew the chance to be a part of something this special was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
2. What is it like playing with someone like David Villa?
It’s been everything you can imagine so far. He will do some stuff on the field and you find yourself watching instead of focusing on what you’re doing. But I have been most impressed by the type of guy he is. He is always willing to do the work necessary to win and the team always comes first.
3. What are your expectations for the season?
I have very high expectations for this team. It is hard for any expansion team to come right in and have success, but I don’t think any expansion team has ever had the talent that we do. We have lofty goals and you already know New Yorkers don’t take losing very well.
4. What kind of adjustment has it been going from Ohio to New York City?
I have only spent a handful of days in New York due to our crazy preseason schedule. But, I can already tell I’m going to enjoy the different pace of the city. Being a Midwesterner I’m used to a slower pace so it might take me a while to adjust to life in fast forward. I’m ready for the challenge.
5. How do you feel this move will affect your career? Is this your dream becoming a reality?
I quickly realized after the initial shock of being traded faded away that this is going to be the opportunity of a lifetime. I loved my time in Columbus, but being able to play on a national/global stage is something I’ve always wanted. I feel like I’m entering my prime so it couldn’t have happened at a better age for me. The first couple of weeks felt like I was living in a dream. Now the dream stage has passed–it’s time to win A LOT of games.
6. What are some of your first impressions of the coaching staff and your teammates?
My initial impressions were nothing but positive for both the staff and my teammates. The coaching staff has been nothing short of outstanding in handling us and giving everybody time to gel. All of them have played in the league so they know what it is like on a day-to-day basis and what it takes to win games. As far as my teammates…we have A LOT of talent on this squad.
7. Does NYCFC feel like an expansion team?
It’s difficult for me to say because this is all so new to me. But, with all of the talent and experience we have, it really doesn’t have that “expansion” feel to it. Obviously we are constantly reminded by the media that we are an expansion team, but if you ask most of the guys they would probably agree that we are gelling pretty well.
8. What is it going to be like to play at Yankee Stadium?
I grew up playing baseball and Yankee Stadium always seemed like this “holy” place that only sports gods got to play in. So, it still seems surreal that I get to call it my home.
9. What is it like to be associated with Manchester City and the New York Yankees?
Our time in Manchester this preseason really opened my eyes to the true magnitude of these organizations. The facilities Man City has over there is something that I never knew could exist. It’s truly hard for me to put into words. These are two of the most respected organizations in the world. I’m just thankful for the opportunity I’ve been given and I plan on making the most of it.
