2025-08-06, 10:55 AM - Word count:
When we sat down for an interview with Damian DeSoto, center back for the Shanghai Dragons, we first asked him to pick a word to describe his career journey up to this point. Damian sighed, chuckled, and stated "Slow." He went on to explain "I think I'm an impatient guy and I'm still very young in my career. I'm still becoming the player I want to be, but it's a process. Sometimes I wish I could skip ahead." When asked what he's skip ahead to, he expressed "Just to the point where I'm a full time, first team player, but specifically one that isn't as much of a liability. I know I can play a lot better than I have been."
DeSoto has been splitting time in defense this season, specifically with Aidan Hutchinson Jr.
When asked about their relationship, Damian caused no controversy. "We're great. It's an awkward arrangement, I think anybody would agree with that. The tabloids seem to want to manufacture some sort of drama. But it's all football at the end of the day. On gameday, it's going to be the manager who picks how much each of us gets to play, so how can you get mad at the player? Each of us is working hard to make the team better, and it's up to us to impress the manager enough to get opportunities on the field.
We then asked what aspects of his game he felt he needed to improve the most upon, and he answered quite honestly, stating “I really think most of the necessary improvements are related to the mental side of the game. I have the physical attributes I need and the natural talent. However, the intensity of the game in the SSL is something I am still adjusting to. Frankly, as a rebuilding team, we are under pressure in our third very frequently in a way that I have not had to deal with in my entire career of playing football. Therefore, learning how to stay sharp and limiting any mistakes is something that I’m still improving upon. It’s just going to take more time and more minutes on the pitch.”
It could easily be seen through the interview why his manager continues to have faith in DeSoto. He showed honesty and a dedication to improve. We will see if he can reach his full potential in the future.
DeSoto has been splitting time in defense this season, specifically with Aidan Hutchinson Jr.
When asked about their relationship, Damian caused no controversy. "We're great. It's an awkward arrangement, I think anybody would agree with that. The tabloids seem to want to manufacture some sort of drama. But it's all football at the end of the day. On gameday, it's going to be the manager who picks how much each of us gets to play, so how can you get mad at the player? Each of us is working hard to make the team better, and it's up to us to impress the manager enough to get opportunities on the field.
We then asked what aspects of his game he felt he needed to improve the most upon, and he answered quite honestly, stating “I really think most of the necessary improvements are related to the mental side of the game. I have the physical attributes I need and the natural talent. However, the intensity of the game in the SSL is something I am still adjusting to. Frankly, as a rebuilding team, we are under pressure in our third very frequently in a way that I have not had to deal with in my entire career of playing football. Therefore, learning how to stay sharp and limiting any mistakes is something that I’m still improving upon. It’s just going to take more time and more minutes on the pitch.”
It could easily be seen through the interview why his manager continues to have faith in DeSoto. He showed honesty and a dedication to improve. We will see if he can reach his full potential in the future.
