Is Ben Fisk perfect for Vancouver FC?
- Dean Petriw
- Jan 10, 2024
- 3 min read
On January 9th Vancouver FC announced the signing of Ben Fisk on a deal that could last until 2026. Fisk, a Vancouverite, is a well-known attacking player in the CPL. It is clear to see why Fisk was the first signing Vancouver FC made this January. Here are three reasons why Fisk is the right fit for VFC.
Reason #1: Professional Experience
Out of the twelve players Vancouver FC listed as under contract on January 7th, six had played less than 20 professional matches before joining the club. Fisk arrives in Vancouver with 198 professional appearances over eleven years. Not only has he played professionally for so long, but he has also played with clubs across the Atlantic in Spain and Ireland. He has been a part of the set up at five Canadian clubs; four of which are based in the CPL. That is, if you still consider FC Edmonton a CPL club. The other three are BC rivals Pacific FC, Atletico Ottawa, and defending CPL Shield holders Cavalry FC. In fact, Fisk was a part of that title winning team last season before his eventual move to the lower mainland. He has even made two appearances for the senior national team. Fisk brings much needed experience to a young CPL side and can make an impact right away.
Reason #2: Adaptability
Fisk is a very rare CPL caliber player when you look at where and how he plays. Fisk is most commonly a Left Winger but has also made a fair share of appearances on the opposite flank. He also very rarely played an attacking midfielder role during his early days at Cavalry. What makes Fisk great on both wings is his strong right foot and uncommon playstyle. On the left he fits nicely as an inverted winger who cuts in and either makes an incisive pass or tries his luck. On the right he can play quick and dangerous crosses into the box with ease with more of a natural winger role. The advantage he has on the left is that cutting in is very dangerous in the CPL. Vancouver FC found out when Josh Heard found the top right from outside the box when they played at Willoughby for the second time in 2023. But if defenders overcompensate by blocking his run in, he can take the extra touch to move the ball to his right and play it in to a poacher in the box. A name such as Alejandro Diaz comes to mind. Fisk is the perfect playmaker VFC needs. If only they could clone him to play on both wings.
Reason #3: Local Talent
Signing local talent has been one of Vancouver’s key commitments. But when trying to find local talent to sign, it can be hard to find a player with the level of playing experience Ben possesses. Ben is perfect for VFC’s local model because of this. When making a commitment to signing young and local it can be hard to find a voice in the locker room. If you had a team full of young stars they’d eventually fall apart because very few of them are mature enough to recognize the problems of their teammates or stand up to motivate the rest. Of course, VFC have another local player in Callum Irving who is clearly doing quite well when it comes to leading the locker room. And there are still other experienced players in there too. But most of these experienced players didn’t grow up in BC. Their path to professional football can look very different. Ben Fisk, who is turning 31 this year, can be another voice beside Callum for the foreseeable future. Considering that Fisk’s deal could last three years if his club option is accepted, it is possible that at some point Callum will leave during Fisk’s stay at Willoughby. Fisk, who would then have experience with the club, could be captain material. Fisk is a strategic signing because of his long contract at a prime age and is hopefully someone we’ll see tearing up the league in 2024.
