Bradley Wright-Phillips on the ‘potential’ of New York Red Bull’s new arrival Dante Vanzeir

With days to go until the start of Major League Soccer’s 2023 season, New York Red Bulls legend Bradley Wright-Phillips was eager to talk about his former side.

Speaking to DailyMail.com at an MLS press event, the club’s all-time leading goal scorer and Apple TV commentator spoke about the team’s chances, new signings, and some key matches they’ll have this season.

Just after the close of the European transfer window, New York signed former Belgian second division golden boot winner Dante Vanzeir from Union SG in the Juliper Pro League.

The Red Bulls finished ninth in goals scored last season as striker Patryk Klimala struggled to find the back of the net.

But Wright-Phillips tells us he’s seen tape on Vanzeir and believes he could be something special. 

New York Red Bulls legend Bradley Wright-Phillips spoke to DailyMail.com about the upcoming MLS season and what could be expected out of his former club

‘I think he has the potential to spend a lot of time at Red Bull,’ he said to DailyMail.com. 

‘I had the pleasure of being in the scouting room at some stages last season… the beginning of this season. 

‘And I’ve watched a lot of video of him. I think he has the potential to score goals wherever he does, whether that translates is a different story that’s up to him and, how we use him really. But I think he does have the potential.’

The former Manchester City and Southampton striker also responded to questions about Red Bulls manager Gerhard Struber.

Last season, Struber drew ire from fans saying their squad was ‘not ready’ to win a trophy, despite having reached the U.S. Open Cup semifinals and spending time at the top spot in the Eastern Conference. 

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But things seem to have changed over the offseason – despite the sale of Klimala to an Israeli side and the loss of captain and starting center back Aaron Long to LAFC. 

Struber said that this coming season would be ‘for big expectations‘ and that ‘the group is growing from a tactical standpoint.’

Wright-Phillips wouldn’t exactly echo those comments, but said Struber’s eye for the squad should lead fans to believe better days are coming. 

‘It’s hard to say. We can’t say that until this season’s over, right? I’d love to say it is – every year you want to improve,’ Wright-Phillips admitted.

Some hope arrived from Europe for Red Bulls fans with the signing of Belgian Dante Vanzeir

RBNY manager Gerhard Struber believes this team is better than the squad from last season

Wright-Phillips also said the atmosphere of the Hudson River Derby shouldn’t change this year

This is despite the departure of high-profile players like the Red Bulls’ Patryk Klimala

‘I do know one thing – I know Gerhard’s a very passionate man. Obviously, worked with him day in day out, and if what he’s seen he thinks it’s more competitive, you have to take his word for it.’

BWP also shed light on his expectations for the Hudson River Derby and believes it will be a close and passionate affair – despite the multiple high-profile departures from the Red Bulls’ cross-river rivals New York City FC.

‘I think that’s the beauty of a derby. I think it’s more than star players, you know, who seems to have the better team. It’s about fighting for the fans, you know, on each side, and I think that’s why derbies are always crazy,’ he said.

‘They’re always exciting because there’s there’s more than just stars on the line… The three points kind of go away. It’s a bragging rights kind of thing. It will always be exciting.’