Along with new additions from abroad and here in the States, Atlanta United also made a particularly special homegrown signing. Will Reilly, an Atlanta United Academy and Atlanta United 2’s product, signed a contract with the first team in December.
At 22 years old, Reilly is still just the ninth-youngest player in the Atlanta United first team. Yet, as someone who has come up through the ranks of the academy and spent time with Atlanta United 2, in some ways Reilly is a club veteran. We asked him 17 questions to give 17s insight into who he inside and outside of the beautiful game:
If you could be a teammate or coach for a day, who would you pick and why?
Probably Alexey [Miranchuk]. He’s very quiet. It seems like he has such a mysterious life. I’m curious what’s going on in his head.
If you had to pick a song to rap bar for bar if your life depended on it, what song would you pick?
Cole Summer, J. Cole. I’m probably gonna die, because it’s a lot of words. But I do love that song.
What’s your cheat meal?
Probably Indian. Some butter chicken. And then ice cream, I love ice cream. Chocolate, no sprinkles.
What’s your favorite spot in Atlanta?
Moe’s and Joe’s is a classic meet up spot for a lot of people I grew up with.
Favorite movie or TV series of all time?
The Office. It’s my favorite show. I’ve probably seen it three times through.
Who is your footballing idol?
Stevie G.
Does that mean you’re a Liverpool fan?
No, Crystal Palace. It’s just the team I decided when I was probably 11 years old. No connections to any Premier League clubs. I had my pick of the lot. I figured no one could ever accuse me of being a bandwagon if I support Crystal Palace, so that’s my team.
Who’s your favorite Palace player if you had to pick one?
[Eberechi] Eze. Such a player.
What’s been your favorite moment as a 5-Stripe so far?
I remember my last 2’s game before leaving very fondly. That was a special moment for me. I love that group of guys and that coaching staff, so getting a sendoff from them was special.
Who has been a godfather for you in the locker room so far?
Derrick [Williams] is a fatherly presence. Nose pointed in the right direction, so he’s a good guy to learn from.
If you weren’t a professional footballer, what would you be?
That’s a fantastic question and one I’ve been trying to figure out for a while. Maybe a researcher or professor.
What subject?
Something related to the brain.
What’s an aspect of your pre-match routine that you must do before playing?
Nap. I always take a nap on gameday.
How long of a siesta do you take?
Depends on the time of the game, but if it’s a night game, I’ll take a two-hour nap if I have time.
What’s a stereotype about professional footballers that you wish people didn’t think?
That they’re all wealthy. Is that a good one?
What’s a piece of advice as a player you wish you would’ve gotten when you were younger?
Don’t change too much for the coach or the system you’re playing in or under. Stay true to yourself as a player. Obviously, still be coachable. But you’ve still gotta be yourself on the field.
How special is it to wear the 5-Stripes for the first team having come up through the academy?
Super special, for sure. I feel like, coming back, I’ve gotta earn my stripes again. I can’t just rely on previous work. But it’s definitely special coming back to a place where you’ve already put in so much time and work and getting to continue that process.
