Canada's David Edgar (left) has played in four World Cup qualifiers for Russia 2018. (Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer)
BAD WALTERSDORF, Austria -- For most of his career, David Edgar has considered himself a central defender. That’s a feeling that may be starting to change, though, at least when it comes to his national team career.
Edgar scored Canada’s first goal on Tuesday in Bad Waltersdorf, Austria, as it beat Uzbekistan, 2-1, in an international friendly. He was playing in the center of the midfield and often found himself in an advanced role for the team as it wrapped up preparations crucial World Cup qualifiers later this year.
“I do see myself as a center back,” said Edgar, who spent the 2015/16 season with Sheffield United. “I think I can offer a lot there, but I can see myself in midfield.”
Midfield regulars Will Johnson and Atiba Hutchinson were missing from this camp, but the positions in that portion of the pitch are crowded with several candidates. If Edgar wants to see minutes for Canada in competitive action as a midfielder, he would clearly have to beat out others for the role.
Versatility, however, can certainly play in the 29-year-old’s favor. Edgar is also one of Canada’s more charismatic players and has great presence in the locker room.
“Edgar is player that can play in several positions,” said head coach Benito Floro. “I consider that Edgar is more of a central midfielder than a center back. Today and the other day (against Azerbaijan), he played very well.”
If his future with the national team is in the middle of the park, the former Burnley standout will certainly be encouraged by the kind of performance he gave against Uzbekistan. Above all, Edgar just wants to help Canada progress in World Cup Qualifying.
“Everyone knows how important playing for Canada is for me,” he finished. “If I can help the team qualify for the next round, I’ll do it. If I have to play left wing, I’ll play left wing. It’s all that matters to me, is that we get to the Hex.”
Canada won’t see action again until September, when it completes the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying for Russia 2018 with matches against Honduras (September 2, away) and El Salvador (September 6, home).
