Red Bull's Dylan Nealis adapting to shifting role

The versatile defender is embracing a move to center-back as the club's roster evolves.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 7:40pm

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Dylan Nealis, a natural right-back, has been asked to play center-back to start the 2026 MLS season for Red Bull New York after the club parted ways with several defenders. Nealis has embraced the position change, saying he is comfortable playing anywhere along the back line. However, the arrival of new signings like Julián Bazán and Robert Voloder could force Nealis to shift positions again as the season progresses.

Why it matters

Nealis' ability to adapt to different roles in the Red Bulls' backline will be crucial as the team navigates roster changes and tries to build a cohesive defensive unit. His versatility could give the coaching staff more flexibility, but the increased competition for starting spots also creates uncertainty around Nealis' long-term position.

The details

Nealis has started the season playing center-back alongside new signing Justin Che, and the duo has helped the Red Bulls allow just one goal in their first two matches. However, the expected arrivals of Bazán and Voloder could push Nealis back to right-back or leave him without a clear starting role. Nealis says he is focused on controlling what he can, training hard, and making it difficult for the coach to leave him out of the lineup.

  • Nealis was asked to move to center-back at the start of the 2026 MLS season.
  • The Red Bulls have signed Julián Bazán and Robert Voloder, who are expected to compete for starting center-back roles.

The players

Dylan Nealis

A versatile defender who has played primarily as a right-back for the Red Bulls, but has been asked to shift to center-back to start the 2026 season.

Michael Bradley

The first-year head coach of the Red Bulls who has asked Nealis to play center-back.

Julián Bazán

A 20-year-old Colombian center-back signed by the Red Bulls who is expected to compete for a starting role.

Robert Voloder

A former Sporting KC veteran signed by the Red Bulls to contribute at center-back.

Justin Che

A natural right-back who has been paired with Nealis in the center of the Red Bulls' defense to start the season.

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What they’re saying

“I was a little bit surprised. I thought toward the end of last season, I was playing my best soccer. But I think I'm pretty confident and comfortable playing anywhere along the back line.”

— Dylan Nealis, Red Bulls defender

“I don't let it try and affect me. I'm just going to do my thing, get ready for training, and train as well as I can. You can only control what you can control, and that's coming to training every day, playing your best, and working your hardest.”

— Dylan Nealis, Red Bulls defender

“It's to give your coach as hard of a decision as possible. You don't want it to be easy. It creates some healthy competition in the group, and that only improves the team, improves training, and then improves the standards each and every day.”

— Dylan Nealis, Red Bulls defender

What’s next

The Red Bulls will continue to monitor the integration of new signings Julián Bazán and Robert Voloder, which could impact Nealis' role and position within the team's backline.

The takeaway

Nealis' willingness to adapt to different positions and embrace competition for playing time reflects his professionalism and commitment to the team. His versatility could prove invaluable as the Red Bulls navigate roster changes, but he must continue to perform at a high level to secure a consistent starting role.