Emerging Talent Nico Zaldana Is Earning Leadership Role For Jacksonville Armada FC

By Matthew Levine

Jacksonville Armada FC midfielder Nico Zaldana has trained at some of the best clubs around the world – Ajax and Malaga. In Jacksonville, he is learning a new role – being a captain.

“It was a great experience. It was a dream come true to captain a professional soccer team,” Zaldana told NASL.com. “When they told me I was captain, I was very excited.”

He has spent the past two games wearing the armband for the Armada FC. For the 18-year-old, he’s getting his first chance of what could be many.

Being thrust into that leadership role came as a bit of a surprise for the midfielder.

“This is my first time being captain. I was surprised but I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” Zaldana said.

While still a young and developing player, Zaldana brings plenty of experience, albeit not professional experience. He could certainly have a big role to play in the Armada FC’s season. Wearing the armband already shows the trust that the Armada FC coaching staff has in the Florida native.

“It really showed that they believe in me. They want me to do well, so I feel like I need to give that back to them and give 100 percent on the pitch,” he said.

Zaldana, who has shown his ability to battle in the midfield and a calm begetting his age, will look build off of his preseason heading into his first North American Soccer League (NASL) season and the Armada FC’s inaugural year as well.

The young midfielder is ready to continue showing his full commitment and work ethic each time he steps on the pitch and helping the team anyway he can.

“I try to do my best for the team. I don’t play individually; I play for the team. I think that I showed that,” he said.

When the season starts, he feels the midfield needs to add a bit more pressure and look to switch the point of attack on a more regular basis.

And for as long as it lasts, Zaldana will be leading his teammates on, which will continue to be a special experience for the budding talent.

“Hopefully I can continue to be captain and do well,” Zaldana added.