Played in the 1-0 win over Japan (on late at 89 mins, 1-0) & 4-2 loss to Germany (on at HT, Germans up 1-0) at the 2022 WC. Hasn't played for the Ticos since some friendlies last September.
The midfield was a strength of the CR national team, last 10 odd years, so he must be an okay player to get 7 caps. Wonder if he'll be cheeky enough to remind Barba of his red in the big Playoff game, which yes Salas missed. Payne the other current Nix player involved in that match.
Looks like CR have only a single game in the March window, hosting Honduras CONCACAF Nations League. Presumably Salas won't be playing in that.
https://wellingtonphoenix.com/news/costa-rica-international-joins-the-nix
“He’s a player with high amounts of energy, he’s technically very sound and he’s a winner by nature. Youstin’s a very decorated player. He’s won a lot of trophies. And importantly he can fill in across a number of positions."
“He has world cup appearances as a right back, but he mostly plays as a six and he can fill in as a 10 if needed.”
AL KHOR, QATAR – DECEMBER 01: Jamal Musiala of Germany is challenged by Youstin Salas of Costa Rica during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Costa Rica and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
The midfield was a strength of the CR national team, last 10 odd years, so he must be an okay player to get 7 caps. Wonder if he'll be cheeky enough to remind Barba of his red in the big Playoff game, which yes Salas missed. Payne the other current Nix player involved in that match.
Looks like CR have only a single game in the March window, hosting Honduras CONCACAF Nations League. Presumably Salas won't be playing in that.
https://wellingtonphoenix.com/news/costa-rica-international-joins-the-nix
“He’s a player with high amounts of energy, he’s technically very sound and he’s a winner by nature. Youstin’s a very decorated player. He’s won a lot of trophies. And importantly he can fill in across a number of positions."
“He has world cup appearances as a right back, but he mostly plays as a six and he can fill in as a 10 if needed.”
AL KHOR, QATAR – DECEMBER 01: Jamal Musiala of Germany is challenged by Youstin Salas of Costa Rica during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Costa Rica and Germany at Al Bayt Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Giancarlo Italiano has been tracking Salas since he was appointed head coach and has thanked the Phoenix board for the extra investment to make the loan move a reality.
“They’ve seen the work the team has done. We have a very good solid base of players playing exceedingly well.
“They also see we need some depth in the second half of the season not only in terms of the starting team but also players coming off the bench, and Youstin gives us an extra injection of quality.
“It’s a great time to bring him in. It helps us with depth and he will complement the whole group.”
Phoenix general manager David Dome says the mid-season move shows the belief the board has in the men’s team this season.
“The owners have decided to dip further into their pockets and extend the men’s squad budget to make this signing,” Dome said.
“They believe the team can achieve something special this season and want to give Chiefy the best chance to bring the A-League trophy back to Wellington.
“The team and the board can’t do it alone however. We now need the fans to get behind the Phoenix like they did in our last home game against Melbourne Victory earlier this month.”
Youstin Salas will join the squad in Wellington as soon as his work visa is approved.
“They’ve seen the work the team has done. We have a very good solid base of players playing exceedingly well.
“They also see we need some depth in the second half of the season not only in terms of the starting team but also players coming off the bench, and Youstin gives us an extra injection of quality.
“It’s a great time to bring him in. It helps us with depth and he will complement the whole group.”
Phoenix general manager David Dome says the mid-season move shows the belief the board has in the men’s team this season.
“The owners have decided to dip further into their pockets and extend the men’s squad budget to make this signing,” Dome said.
“They believe the team can achieve something special this season and want to give Chiefy the best chance to bring the A-League trophy back to Wellington.
“The team and the board can’t do it alone however. We now need the fans to get behind the Phoenix like they did in our last home game against Melbourne Victory earlier this month.”
Youstin Salas will join the squad in Wellington as soon as his work visa is approved.