(Credit: @KDanielDeakin)
Having been one of NINE Orlando City SC first team stars loaned out to Orlando City B earlier today, Orlando City UK caught up with English attacking midfielder Danny Deakin.
Selected by the Lions as the 20th pick (64th overall) in the third round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft back in January, we found out how Sheffield-born Deakin is enjoying life after penning his first ever professional contract.
Before making the move to Central Florida, Danny Deakin completed the 2016 season with NASL side Detroit City FC, making nine appearances in all.
Attending the University of South Carolina prior to his spell in Detroit, Deakin earned a reputation as a midfielder with a knack for scoring important goals.
Scoring five match-winning goals for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in 2016, Danny Deakin scored 11 goals for them in total.
Yet to be involved in either of Jason Kreis‘ two matchday squads in MLS so far this season, today’s loan to Orlando City B will give Danny Deakin crucial minutes on the field to showcase his talent.
With Orlando City SC able to recall Danny Deakin from his season-long loan to Orlando City B at any point, the 23-year-old will be hungry to impress Anthony Pulis ahead of hopefully achieving first team recognition within Major League Soccer.
Here’s what the midfielder, who can also play as a striker, had to say when Orlando City UK chatted to him recently.
How did you get into football?
As long as I can remember, I’ve been playing football. As a kid I used to play on the street everyday with my two cousins who lived next door to me and we used to play with a lot of older lads which helped us get better.
I joined my first Sunday league team at seven-years-old.
What team did you support as a child?
I didn’t really have a choice as my dad registered me as a Junior Blade (Sheffield United fan) a few hours after I was born.
I used to have a season ticket at Sheffield United and went to all the home games growing up.
Who is your footballing idol?
Currently, I would have to say Lionel Messi just because he’s the best player I have ever seen – he sees the game differently to all of us.
I also loved watching how Arsenal played growing up when they had the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp.
If you weren’t a footballer, what other career would you like to pursue?
Well I have a degree in criminology so I wouldn’t mind giving a law or crime based job a try.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would like to be coming towards the end of a successful professional career.
My goal is to play for as long as I can because it’s what I love to do.
What would you say are your strongest attributes?
I would say my best attributes are my technical ability, creativity and dead balls.
What part of your game do you need to improve?
There’s always lots to improve on.
If I had to say one thing I’d say my weaker foot. Using my weaker foot is something I always try and get better at.
Who is your best mate at Orlando City SC?
This is a hard question haha!
I haven’t been around very long but I roomed with Donny Toia for a while in pre-season and we got along really well. He’s a cool guy.
What is the best ground you’ve played at in your career so far?
I played at St. Mary’s Stadium against Southampton in the FA Youth Cup and that was a nice ground.
I honestly like Bramall Lane a lot too, not just because I’m a Blades fan but because it’s a proper old fashioned four-stand stadium.
I haven’t played at Orlando City Stadium yet though so the answer to this question might change soon.
What is your favourite memory from your career so far?
Getting drafted by Orlando City SC and signing my first professional contract.
What are your personal goals for 2017?
To just keep improving my game and continue learning from the coaches and experienced players around me.
Ideally, every player wants to be in the first team and hopefully I get my chance to show what I can do.
It’s early days though and I know it’s important to take things one day at a time and not get ahead of yourself.
*THIS INTERVIEW WAS EXCLUSIVELY CONDUCTED BY ORLANDO CITY UK ON MARCH 23RD 2017*