Only a few months into his tenure with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Thomas Muller has already made a huge impact around his teammates. Defender Mathias Laborda, who has been in Canada since 2023, explained to Bolavip how the German star is leading the team both on and off the field.
“Thomas is a great person, a great player, and beyond that, he is always looking to improve and contribute to the team,” Laborda said when asked about Muller by Bolavip during a media session in Spanish.
After 17 fruitful seasons with Bayern Munich and holding an impressive resume with the German national team, including a World Cup win in 2014, Muller made an immediate impact in Vancouver by helping the Whitecaps reach the MLS Cup final last year.
“He also spends a lot of time sitting down to talk with us individually, trying to help us improve and grow, and I think that adds a lot to his personality as well,” Laborda added on his teammate.
ABSOLUTE INSANITY 🤯
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) November 23, 2025
Emmanuel Sabbi and Mathías Laborda have scored our 99th and 100th goal respectively! The most goals in a single season in club history 🔥🔥🔥#VWFC | #OwnTheSummit pic.twitter.com/EXFDoFODJG
This year, Muller boasts two goals in five MLS matches as the Whitecaps aim to redeem themselves from last year’s loss to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the decider.
Laborda looks up to Godin, Lugano
Laborda remains a key contributor for the Whitecaps in their quest for the title, with a goal and two assists in four appearances so far. When asked about his role models, the Uruguayan named iconic names from his country.
“In defense there are many; I can mention, for example, back when he played, (Diego) Godin, (Diego) Lugano himself, all the historic players of the (Uruguay) national team,” Laborda said.
Bruno Caicedo looking to make a name for himself in MLS
Behind an established player like Laborda and a veteran star like Muller, there are rising players working to earn their place. One of them is Ecuadorian winger Bruno Caicedo, who joined Vancouver in January from Barcelona SC.
We're definitely talking about Bruno 🤩🇪🇨
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) January 30, 2026
We have acquired Ecuadorian youth international Bruno Caicedo on a U22 Initiative contract via transfer from Ecuadorian LigaPro Serie A side Barcelona SC.
📰 | https://t.co/QTF28dW8NX#VWFC pic.twitter.com/b1qqucFTqo
Even though he’s still adjusting to the league, Caicedo has already been impressed by some players in the league, with LAFC sensation Denis Bouanga catching his eye.
“Bouanga, honestly, he is very good,” said Caicedo when Bolavip asked him about the MLS players he looks up to.
Caicedo also mentioned watching fellow countryman Allen Obando during his time with Messi’s Inter Miami in 2025: “But aside from that, I admire everyone equally: there’s Leo (Messi), Son, Thomas (Muller)—they’re players who have won everything.“
