By Blake Chadwick
Yandel Ramos is a key player in the success of the Salina Central Mustangs. As a senior, he has excelled in multiple positions, including left back, attacking midfielder, and both wings, and he is currently playing primarily as a striker.
“Yandel is a natural-born athlete,” head coach Leonel Alvarado said. “His speed and game knowledge are very good and he is a natural leader, our underclassmen look up to him.”
The senior is a go-to player who will have played four years on the varsity team and been a captain for the last two years.
Ramos is as humble as they come, though, always focused on the team’s success rather than individual accolades.
“I don’t see myself as a standout player,” Ramos said. “I like to stay humble, but I understand it is good to be confident in your strengths. I think that playing at a higher level of soccer gives me a small advantage in playing in high school, as most kids first start, or barely start playing in high school.”
The senior relies a lot on his experience and also his on-ball skills.
“As I reflect, my speed can help me stand out because I can chase almost every pass sent to me, recover fast if my defending lacks, or if there is a 50/50 ball,” Ramos said. “Another aspect of my game that could possibly help me stand out is my footwork. It isn’t the best like (Lionel) Messi’s, but it can get me out of tight situations.”
