SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake winger Jeizon Ramírez has been working out in Herriman by himself in an attempt to reach full fitness prior to the start of pre-season training, Manager Freddy Juarez told KSL Sports.

Ramírez, 19, struggled to see playing time during his first season with RSL in 2020 due to a lack of fitness, a different culture, and the global pandemic. He was purchased as a Young Designated Player on February 6th, 2020, missing most of the pre-season prior to the 2020 season.

Early Arrival

“He got here earlier. He asked to talk to me,” Juarez said. “He said he was going to rededicate himself to focusing on being fit, and to try to help the team as much as possible, which was great for me to hear,” Juarez said regarding Ramírez in 2021.

We love a stadium with a view. 🏟️😍

📷: @realsaltlake pic.twitter.com/jHoJp4WCKq

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 22, 2021

Ramírez struggled to acclimatize shortly after his arrival last year. The coronavirus pandemic rocked the world and Ramírez was left secluded to his apartment by himself while Major League Soccer took an extended hiatus from their season.

“We forget that he’s 19 years old and that he was living away from home. So I hope so I would love nothing more than our young players to take a step forward this year,” Juarez said.

Furthermore, MLS is a league that requires a greater amount of professionalism from its players. It is a physical league that demands excellence both physically and mentally.

A Door Opens

Ramírez struggled to adapt and subsequently found himself on the bench for the majority of the season.

However, the 2021 season will hopefully prove rewarding for Ramírez who seems adamant to make an impact.

Our office view >>>>>>>>>>> pic.twitter.com/hWXnb7ZyBP

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) February 18, 2021

Greater responsibility is also placed on Ramírez entering the 2021 season following the departure of Corey Baird to LAFC. With Baird’s departure, the club is looking to fill a void left on the wing.

For Ramírez to see a consistent starting role in 2021 he must dedicate himself to his fitness. His role as a winger is to create and score attacking opportunities but it also requires him to help out defensively. He must learn to control the entire side of the pitch that he is playing on.

“He had a good discussion with me and it all came from him. So I think that’s the first step. I hope he plays more for you guys,” Juarez concluded.

MLS players will report for pre-season training on March 1. They will then enter a seven-day quarantine, conduct medical exams and tests ahead of a full training schedule that will begin on March 8.