NASHVILLE, TN - Jacob Shaffelburg is adapting to a new role with Nashville SC.
Since arriving in Nashville in 2023, the 25-year-old has become something of a cult hero. His pace, personality and signature mullet have made him a fan favorite, with his jersey among the 12 highest-sellers in MLS last season. A breakout two years with the Canadian national team hasn't hurt, either.
Jacob Shaffelburg nominated for the Canada Soccer Player of the Year.
— Valair (@valairshabilla) December 12, 2024
The Nashville SC winger had a great Copa America, WCQs and friendlies performances, contributing with four goals and an assist.
Former Nashville defender, Alastair Johnston was also nominated.#EveryoneN pic.twitter.com/zv7F4wkg1e
In his first full year under new head coach BJ Callaghan, Shaffelburg is having to adapt. Traditionally an out-and-out winger, the speedster is adjusting to a new system that doesn't really use wingers. Nashville have adjusted to a 4-2-2-2 system in preseason, and Shaffelburg has seen the bulk of his minutes as one of the two more central attackers. It's a very different look for a player who has preferred to hug the touchline.
"He's a menace running behind the back line, but we're trying to make it more unpredictable," Callaghan told reporters after a 3-0 preseason win against Lexington SC. "If he can also come in the pocket and receive the ball and run and dribble at the back line, they'll have to respect that."
Fastest players in #MLS in 2024:
— Ben Wright (@benwright) May 24, 2024
1) Moise Bombito 🇨🇦, Colorado (23.16 mph)
2) Jacob Shaffelburg 🇨🇦, Nashville (22.78 mph)
3) Alenís Vargas 🇭🇳, Sporting KC (22.69 mph)
4) Alvas Powell 🇯🇲, Cincinnati (22.66 mph)
5) Sang Bin Jeong 🇰🇷, Minnesota (22.64 mph) pic.twitter.com/RTIfhtiQNp
Shaffelburg himself provided a glimpse into the adjustments he's trying to make this offseason.
"With this style of play, maybe making my runs in behind better," he said when asked how he's trying to improve. "Coming into space, like in the pockets, I've never been the greatest inside the field. I like to be on the side, so it's gonna be a change out for me."
For as important a player as he's become for Nashville, Shaffelburg still hasn't scored more than three goals in an MLS season during his career. With Callaghan's emphasis on creating consistent scoring opportunities, setting a target of at least 50 goals in the 2025 season, he'll have opportunities to score, opportunities that he can't waste.
With a unique skillset and genuinely world-class pace, Shaffelburg will have a clear role in the team.
"It's an elite ability to run behind the back line," Callaghan smiled. "That's going to be his role. It's as simple as that. I think it's our job to put him in situations to be the best version of himself."
