Dear Editor: Yorke needs Poon-Angeron in midfield if T&T are to progress

“[…] Michel Poon-Angeron offers tactical flexibility. Whether used as a deep-lying playmaker or a ball winning midfielder, he adapts to the system. He reads the game well, breaks up opposition attacks intelligently, and quickly restarts play.

“[…] If Trinidad and Tobago are to progress in these qualifiers, the midfield must be a combination of grit, intelligence, and leadership. Poon-Angeron brings all three…”

The following Letter to the Editor on the supposed value of 24-year-old United States-based midfielder Michel Poon-Angeron to the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team was submitted to Wired868 by Peter Pierre, who is a former Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Under-17 assistant coach and the current USVI Women’s Senior and Under-20 team assistant coach:

Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Michel Poon-Angeron (right) tries to keep the ball from Guatemala midfielder Stheven Robles during Concacaf Nations League A action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on 13 October 2023.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.

As Trinidad and Tobago seek to navigate the rigors of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, the importance of a reliable, disciplined, and versatile midfield cannot be overstated. Michel Poon-Angeron has proven that he has the qualities needed to be an integral part of the campaign.


His education in Argentina (at top flight team Club Atletico Banfield) where the game is a way of life is the thing that sets Poon-Angeron apart from his peers.

Training six days a week, often with double sessions, he learned the discipline, intensity, and tactical awareness which only comes from competing in one of the world’s most demanding football environments.

Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Michel Poon-Angeron (left) tries to initiate an attack during CNL B action against Nicaragua on 27 March 2023.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.

This exposure shaped him into a player capable of coping with the speed and physicality of international competition.

On the field Poon-Angeron offers tactical flexibility. Whether used as a deep-lying playmaker or a ball winning midfielder, he adapts to the system.

He reads the game well, breaks up opposition attacks intelligently, and quickly restarts play. Most importantly he is composed in possession-switching the point of attack, finding players between the lines, and using his vision to stretch defenses.

In qualifiers where small margins decide games, that kind of balance between defense and distribution is vital.

Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Michel Poon-Angeron (second from left) celebrates his maiden international goal with teammates during international friendly action against Guyana at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on 15 May 2024.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.

Beyond his technical and tactical strengths, Poon-Angeron has the right mindset. Despite never coming through the youth teams, he earned his way directly into the senior squad-an achievement that reflects his maturity, determination, and ability to perform under pressure.

If Trinidad and Tobago are to progress in these qualifiers, the midfield must be a combination of grit, intelligence, and leadership. Poon-Angeron brings all three.

His inclusion is not just justified—it is necessary, if Trinidad and Tobago are to compete effectively against Concacaf’s best.

Please refer to the link above and you decide. A picture always paints a thousand words.

Editor’s Note: Michel Poon-Angeron was selected for Dwight Yorke’s first three games in charge of the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team, in friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Jamaica. He has not been recalled since 9 February 2025.

More from Wired868
Dear Editor: Is Cooper guilty until proven innocent? Is his TTFA treatment not a threat to all coaches?

“[…] How is it acceptable, that the person who is head of the Safe Guarding Unit, was able to institute Read more

Betterment: Here’s my checklist on Corneal’s performance as TTFA technical director

“[…] Under Anton Corneal, there were efforts to rebuild youth programs and implement coaching education, but questions remain about the Read more

Dear Editor: Soca Warriors must stop begging for luck and build capacity for real success

“[…] More possession, more shots, prettier football—none of it matters without results. Sympathy doesn’t qualify teams. Goals and points do. Read more

Butcher: Dwight Yorke is past the “process” stage; this is the event—time to deliver

“[…] You mentioned that building a team is a process, not an event. I understand and respect that but context Read more

Dear Editor: T&T football fans should forget Butcher’s “negative energy” and rally around coach Dwight Yorke

“[…] Dwight Yorke and Russell Latapy need the time necessary to mold and shape their players into a cohesive unit. Read more

“A true team player…” Strike Squad salute the late Ricky Nelson

“[…] Ricky Nelson was mentally and physically a strong individual. He spoke very little, a gentle giant, [and] defender by Read more

Check Also

Dear Editor: How incompetence of T&TEC—and other essential services—impoverishes T&T

“[…] The frustration in Greenvale, however, runs deeper than a single Sunday blackout. The community …

5 comments

  1. Yorke and Latapy need to be sacked immediately.
    Their strategy of a ponderous build up almost always from the six yard box, square pass back pass repeatedly, inviting the opposition to pressure us and with none of our midfielders looking to claim the ball, and then being easily dispossessed will result in more defeats certainly. We need fresh ideas from vastly experienced coaches who have plyed their trade at a much higher level quickly, just as we made such a move about 20 years ago to rise from the bottom of the table and qualify for Germany.
    TTFA should take that decision now and see if a Manager like Nuno Esprito Santo for example is available and affordable.

  2. Poon-Angeron was in the setup before and he was decent at best. Maybe he deserves another look in. We cannot close the door on any player at this stage because we need all the help we can muster. What I can say straight up though is that our midfield lacks creativity, toughness and a leader (somebody to demand the ball not shy away from possessing the ball in crunch situations).

  3. I don’t know much about Poon-Angeron. The description suggests an experienced player with superlative attributes. But he is such a good midfielder, why is he not playing at a higher level of football? I’m curious.

    • We need better man management of players our coaching system is failing the countries talent the scouting system if there is any needs improvement we are falling behind that’s not good

  4. What’s the going rate for advertisements in Wired868? And who pays, the letter writer or the player?

    I am not trying to suggest that MPA does not deserve a place on the squad. However, in my view, to make the argument for his inclusion without a single reference to the performances turned in on his previous appearances raises real questions about the writer’s intentions. And bonafides.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.