He's got two very famous pals
The Big Interview: Red Passion says a big 'Hello' to a very interesting Trinidadian

Richard Goddard

Background: He's from Trinidad, he's a student, and he's got two special friends. They're called Hector and Carlos. Anybody heard of them?

Setting: Richard contacts Red Passion via the Internet. Red Passion replies and asks a very cheeky question: "Richard, can we send you some questions?" Richard couldn't be more obliging.

Tell us a bit about yourself...

How do you know Hector and Carlos?

I played with Hector from when both of us were on the Under-14 team in 1991 that went to Venezuela. I only got to know Carlos about two years ago on the Under-23 team, which also went to Venezuela for the CAC (Central American and Caribbean) Games.

What are they like as people?

Sam is one of the "smartest" people you can find. He might seem quiet but you know what they say; the quietest people are the ones you have to look out for. You never know what they are thinking so you don't know what to expect. Carlos is more precise, meaning there aren't too many surprises that would come your way when you talk to him. He's a great person to hold a conversation with and is very sure about the things he believes in.

What is their history as footballers?

I know more about Sam than Carlos. Sam was branded one of the best young prospects for local football once he graced us in our Secondary Schools League Competitions. Played for Queens Royal College during that time. Would be marked constantly by opposing team's defenders, but somehow always found a way to score. Carlos to my knowledge came into the football fraternity when he joined the Defence Force Football Team (Carlos if I'm wrong sorry, but I'm going with what I know). Being able to use his speed and dribbling ability on the flanks gave him the exposure he needed to have the selectors keep an eye on him. So said so done. Now they're both reaping the benefits of their labour.

Hector - what are his strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Probably has the quickest turn of any striker I've ever seen. Many a time I've seen him make defenders look like tops spinning in mud. He can shoot with both feet and in general creates havoc in the box with his dribbling capabilities. His main weakness is his finishing. Getting into position is not much of a problem. Scoring three of the 10 or 12 chances he gets per game (if so many, but you get the picture) is the frustration his teammates face almost every time.

Carlos - what are his strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Like I said before, his speed is his main weapon. Most people don't realise how quick he is until he blows past them, leaving them in the dust. Getting back on defense isn't much of a problem either. His work rate is extremely high, just as it has to be when you're playing on the wings. He can dribble pretty much any defender he faces with his quick footwork, but he can overdo it sometimes. His crosses have gotten better in the two years I've known him but can get better, hopefully with you guys assistance.

How famous are they in T&T?

Very famous; both of them. Anywhere they're playing, you can't help but mention their name, how good they are and how much better they can be.

What have their performances been like for the national team?

I think they have played and represented T&T very well. Both have been able to display their incredible potential as future stars for the T&T team. Their ability to work together with their teammates has helped them in becoming well rounded players. My favourite games I've seen both play are T&T Under-23 vs. Venezuela Under-23 in 1998 CAC first round game (Sam) and T&T vs. Netherlands Antilles (Carlos).

How good are T&T as a side?

On paper we could have the best team in the Concacaf region. I mean when you have players like Dwight Yorke, Shaka Hislop, Marvin Andrews, Russell Latapy, Anthony Rougier and Stern John on the same roster, any team you play should become very worried indeed. But it has taken us a while to get these players together, and now that we do have all these players on the field at the same time (barring injuries and club disputes), we can only hope for the best; that being a 2002 World Cup appearance.

How is football organised in T&T? How strong are the leagues?

I think the pro-league in T&T has grown into one that some of the best players from the Caribbean and abroad can come to play some good football. It has given many local players the opportunity to increase their level of play to suit the need of the national team. and to be quite honest, many players would have never gotten a chance to at least try out for the National team if it wasn't for this league. Apart from the Pro-league, there are many smaller leagues with the top teams from each league taking part in a play-off for promotion to the 1st division.

How are the best and most famous T&T soccer players today?

The best football (I don't like to say soccer at all) players are to say the least worshiped in T&T by everyone. It's impossible not to be Yorke, Latapy, John or Hislop and not be mobbed by adoring fans anywhere you go.

In the past?

Lincon Phillips, Gally Cummings, Hutson Charles, Kerry Jamerson, Marvin Fuastin; just some of the former national players (and Bertille St. Clair the national team's last coach) who we respect for all they have done for T&T football in the past and still give to this day.

How popular is soccer in T&T?

FOOTBALL is the most popular sport in the world. Why should we be left? This isn't the US where American Football, Baseball, Basketball and Ice Hockey rule the television stations. That's slowly changing, trust me. Football is going to become more popular than most other sports in the future. Give that about 10-20 years.

How popular are US sports in T&T?

Not too popular. We like watching the NFL and basketball but nothing else really.

Who's more famous: Brian Lara or Dwight Yorke?

Some would say Lara, but I think Yorke is all up there by himself. There are more people who know Yorke because Football is the world's game, not Cricket.

Had you heard of Wrexham FC?

A few times but nothing much to say I know a lot about the club. Sorry.

What positions do Hector and Carlos play for T&T?

Sam is an all-out striker. Carlos' usual position is on the flanks, but he can play a defensive role in the midfield if called upon.

How do you think they will adapt to British football?

Carlos should find it difficult to adjust to the English game. His versatility as a utility player can have him all over the field. Once he becomes comfortable then he should be o.k. Sam might find it more of a task though. Tougher marking, harder tackling, less room to play with are some of the changes he would have to adjust to. His biggest asset will be his ability to dribble defenders one on one. Question: How would British football adapt to the quicker, more deceptive Sam? Maybe this question should be answered by the England National Team and English coaches alike. I'm still waiting for the English game to change from the constant "boom kick" to the strikers tactics they've been using for the past ump-teen years.

Tell us some interesting trivia/facts about the two players...

Sam walks with a "crawl" (style) and likes to say "easy walk 'round, easy walk 'round," and Carlos could be part of my family (distant cousin) but who knows.

Are you hoping to keep in touch with them?

Why not. I'm very happy for them. I think they've earned this opportunity, and I hope they grab it with both hands and keep holding on to it.