Williams leads Real SL midfielders

Brian Kamler likes to think of Real Salt Lake's midfield as coach John Ellinger's own personal Ford factory, but instead of interchangeable parts, he's using interchangeable midfielders.

With so many options, don't be surprised if by midseason Ellinger has used a different starting lineup in the middle of the park each game.

For the team's inaugural game this weekend in New York, expect Andy Williams, Marlon Rojas, Dipsy Selolwane and Kamler to all get the starting nod. The following week, don't be surprised if Luke Kreamalmeyer and Evan Whitfield are penciled in. When national team call-ups and injuries inevitably become an issue, other players like Leighton O'Brien, Kenny Cutler and Bryan Jackson will get an opportunity.

The No. 1 option, without a doubt, is Jamaican international Williams.

"I know that he's been with all these different teams, but frankly I can't understand why," said Ellinger about the player RSL took with its first pick in the expansion draft last November. "I don't know what else to say — the guy is a phenomenal player."

Williams is entering his seventh season in MLS but is also suiting up for his sixth different team. Contrary to how such franchise hopping might seem, Williams isn't a problem child, according to Ellinger.

Ellinger knows Williams is often referred to as a lazy player, but he jokes, that's just the Jamaican way. "I don't think he's lazy, that's just the way he plays," he said.

Playing for a coach who embraces his natural tendencies, instead of trying to change them might be exactly what Williams needs.

"He's going to be one of the keys to our success," said Ellinger. "I've put a lot of faith in him to run the show. He's got a lot of freedom."

Supporting Williams at holding midfielder is Kamler, a nine-year veteran of MLS. Even though the defensive midfield position is a new role for Kamler, he's excited about the challenge and is getting more and more comfortable each day.

"I still need to learn a bit more as far as when I can go forward and help guys, and when I really need to hold back," said Kamler, 33. "I think the whole year is going to be a learning process, but honestly any position you play you're constantly learning, especially with a new team."

While Williams and Kamler are essentially entrenched at midfield, it's the wing midfielders who'll feel like they're in a revolving door.