Soccer coaches have philosophies. Their players are their means to express them.

When a coach finds a player who subscribes to the same faith, who represents the best of their shared belief system, they will attach to each other with a bond that surpasses loyalty. They become something closer to co-conspirators.

For Jesse Marsch, the head coach of Canada’s men’s soccer team, that player is Ali Ahmed.

“I would argue that Ali understands how we play better than anyone on the entire team, tactically and intellectually,” Marsch said before Friday’s friendly against Australia in Montreal. “I value Ali as a player maybe more than any coach he’s ever had, because he understands exactly what I need from players who play in his spot.”

Ahmed’s spot is on the left side of the pitch, where he’s em

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