Lausanne, Switzerland, June 28, 2016 – If USA are hoping to return to the Olympic podium for the first time since the Beijing 2008 Games in Rio later this summer, then Matt Anderson will almost certainly be at the centre of coach John Speraw’s plans.
The 29-year-old opposite from Buffalo, USA is the second highest scorer in this year’s FIVB Volleyball World League and also scooped the MVP award at last year’s FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup, impressing immensely.
But according to Anderson, his role in the team goes much deeper than simply a scoring machine – despite how effective he is in that department.
"I'm a good median between the hard work and ethic that our veterans have, which is why you keep experienced players around and the young energy,” he said on the mix of old and new in the team.
Indeed, with experienced campaigners such as Reid Priddy and captain David Lee set to line-up alongside the likes of Aaron Russell and Taylor Sander – both set to make their Olympic debut – Anderson is likely to be key both on and off the court in Rio.