Nottingham Forest defender Richie Laryea was named man of the match for Canada in their World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.
The January signing played the full 90 minutes for his country on Thursday night as they fell 1-0 in San Jose. Despite the defeat, Canada remain in a good position to qualify for this year’s tournament in Qatar, with just one point needed from their final two games to clinch their spot.
Laryea has yet to feature for the Reds after making the move from MLS side Toronto during the transfer window. But he has continued to see game time for his country.
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And he caught the eye with his performance against Costa Rica, earning the ‘performance of the match’ accolade. The visitors had been reduced to 10 men when Mark-Anthony Kaye was sent off in the 34th minute, and fell behind just before the break. But Laryea was described as having a positive impact with the odd “blistering run” and attempts at goal, as well as being involved in some “great passing” moves, according to the match report on the team’s official website.
Reporter Arash Madani posted some of head coach John Herdman’s post-match comments on Twitter. He wrote: “Herdman told Richie Laryea he needed him, down a man, and Laryea, Herdman said, responded ‘with a death stare’ and ‘played like a warrior’."
On mlssoccer.com, Laryea was given a 7.5 rating. It said: “The last club football Laryea played was back in November for Toronto FC, but the now-Nottingham Forest winger did not show any sign of rust, putting in a MOTM performance down the left-hand side. He led all players with 0.45 expected assists.”
Yet to see what he can offer in the Garibaldi, the 27-year-old’s display got fans - both Forest and Canada supporters - talking. Here’s a look at what’s been said.
@_RickJO: Another top performance for #CANMNT given the injury to Max Lowe, I wonder if we’ll see Laryea get a game between now and the end of the season? #nffc
@Grantnffc1: So pleasing to see. #nffc I hope we do get to see Richie before the end of the season & I'm sure we will. But I wouldn't look at this as a negative. Cooper & his staff are preparing him for the right time just like Mbe Soh, Panzo, Ojeda & Mighten I'm sure.
@TFCNU2: Hey @NFFC . You can't find minutes for this guy? #NFFC
@ianwigginton: #nffc not played in garibaldi but still MOM for Canada
@IntoTheWestAway: #NFFC @NFFC Thanks for keeping the man fit. But you would appreciate him on the field too. #CANMNT
@gray9s: Great match Richie!!!! #nffc #canmnt
@CratesOfFrates: This Richie Laryea that I’m watching hasn’t been able to make the #NFFC squad. Yes, that’s as baffling to tweet as it probably is for you to read #CanMNT
@All4Thrills: Richie in legend mode. @NFFC #nffc #canmnt
@bail_si: Laryea looks a player and plays the Forest way, quick direct and good feet #CanMNT #NFFC
@Awsworth: Richie Laryea having a cracking game at LWB for @CanadaSoccerEN #NFFC
