Felipe Campanholi Martins — Felipe for short — is the engine for MLS’ last unbeaten team, and playing as well as any midfielder in the league. But his journey to the Red Bulls was a long, winding one that left him wise beyond his years. Life saw to that a long time ago.
He left home at 10 years old to join an academy and chase his dream of becoming a pro. He left Brazil at 15 to join Italian side Padova. Now he is setting roots in New York, for a manager he calls more than a coach and a team atop the standings.
“My history,’’ smiles Felipe, 24, “is a little bit long.’’
The latest chapter has Felipe starting for the East-leading Red Bulls, who host the MLS Cup champion Galaxy on Sunday (5 p.m., ESPN2). Their midfield is as good as any in the league, and he is at the heart of that.
“Felipe’s been one of the best players, if not the best, in the league,’’ said Jesse Marsch, who brought Felipe to MLS when he coached Montreal and worked to bring him to New York.
“He’s had a huge impact on our team, on both sides of the ball. He’s competitive, he’s sharp, and he’s made us very good. … He’ll only get better. He’s that kind of kid. He’s motivated to every day push. He’s wise beyond his years.’’
He would have to be. After leaving home, Felipe worked his way to Campo Grande in Rio de Janeiro before catching the eye of Padova in Italy. By 15, he was on another continent, by 17 had been weaned on those renowned Italian tactics and even started four games. He became a fixture in Switzerland, first at Winterthur, then Lugano and finally Wohlen, where Marsch found him.
“Everything helped me to grow fast,’’ Felipe said. “How I am right now, it’s because I left my house when I was so young, when I was 10 … just trying to become a professional player.’’
He has become a good one. He had 10 assists under Marsch in 2012, rated the No. 5 prospect on MLS’ 24 Under 24 list. Struggling after Marsch’s firing, Felipe has been stellar in their reunion, leading MLS in key passes (3.4) and ranked 16th overall — fifth among midfielders — by Whoscored.com.
“To me he’s more than a coach, he’s the guy who brought me [to MLS], gave me an opportunity, opened doors for me, made me learn a lot of things, not just soccer-wise but in life,’’ Felipe said. “Every time I go on the field, it’s something I do for myself, my family, my teammates, but for him, too.
“I was very young and he taught me so many things I’m going to bring with me all my life. … I’m a very emotional guy. I get frustrated [if] I’m not winning. He’s trying to teach me it’s not that way I’m going to become better, trying to get my focus on the game.’’
That focus extends to defense, helping them hold foes to an MLS-low four goals and setting up three of their own with tackles that sparked counters.
“I believed in him, he knew that. He believes in me, so our relationship was strong,’’ Marsch said. “I couldn’t be happier that he’s here. I think he’s very happy to be here as well.’’
Felipe’s marking was questioned despite having played as a No. 8 at Wohlen and for half a season under Marsch. But he and Dax McCarty — with Sacha Kljestan playing in front of them — have dominated the midfield every single game with their industry.
Felipe has helped McCarty shield an injury-riddled defense, which finally gets back starters Roy Miller and Ronald Zubar on Sunday, and is a big reason the Red Bulls lead the league in turnovers forced.
On Sunday, the Brazilian — averaging career-highs in both interceptions (2.23) and recoveries (8.72) per 90 minutes — will test that workrate against countryman and three-time MLS Cup champ Juninho.
“It’s just trying to put a lot of work in, a lot of heart, be humble and run for the guys next to me,’’ Felipe said.
The Galaxy still will be without striker Robbie Keane, but get back Leonardo and Edson Buddle.