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“[…] 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:
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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).
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
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.