the seattle probes they’re a great group. Additionally it is a group that’s going by way of a really unhealthy streak that has exacerbated and highlighted its weaknesses. In fact, the largest drawback going through the Sounders proper now could be accidents. As these previous few weeks have proven us, the Sounders actually cannot wait to get wholesome. Three factors in 5 video games isn’t sufficient, particularly when the remainder of the Western Convention is bettering round him. Let’s placed on our GM, coach, and scout hats to seek out out what’s improper.
First, we have to establish a few of the weaknesses that have an effect on the Sounders. They’ve been lazy and gradual in possession, being too predictable within the preparation. The opponents have simply discovered what the weak factors are and have been focusing on them.
Seattle’s weak point is twofold. They at the moment have a left again who’s placing collectively one of many worst previous seasons by an MLS fullback. ever. Nouhou does not transfer the ball ahead together with his passing, dribbling or positioning. I prefer it, completely. The second weak point is that the CM stand-ins for him alongside Albert Rusnák have failed to copy João Paulo’s tempo management model. Obed Vargas did a good job of replicating JP’s defensive manufacturing, however the 16-year-old is at the moment out with stress fractures in his again with no clear timetable for a return.
So what can they do about it? Let’s examine some enterprise objectives inside the league that would assist the Sounders search a playoff place and hopefully an MLS Cup win.
What are we working with?
One in every of Garth Lagerwey’s best passions in life is minimizing the prospect of a commerce or signing. Okay, he is fairly good at his job and I will not query the strategies. Nonetheless, we additionally know that he works like a thief within the night time, popping up out of nowhere to benefit from market inefficiencies that can enhance the Sounders. He could also be a bit brief on cash (allocation cash), however that does not imply there aren’t gamers obtainable at a value Seattle is keen to play.
A really fascinating trade occurred on Tuesday that I feel tells us lots about what the market is for Seattle. LAFC negotiated by orlando metropolis‘s Jhegson Mendez for a charge of round $300k at GAM. Final month I assumed Mendez can be an exquisite addition to Seattle’s midfield, however hey, LAFC paid a value Seattle did not need.
We will make a reasonably well-informed guess that if Seattle appears to make an addition this summer season through an intra-league commerce, it is more likely to be for lower than $300k in xAM.
He is a veteran CM, Michael. What may it value? Ten {dollars}?
One factor we all know is that Lagerwey loves focusing on veteran MLS gamers in the summertime window who aren’t in his group’s present plans. It has mainly occurred yearly, from Luis Silva to Nicolás Benezet. If an addition like this occurs, he’ll in all probability be a defensive midfielder. So who to look at?
Two names I feel they may goal are eric treatment of San Jose and Hannibal Godoy from Nashville. Each gamers are older, whereas their groups apparently have totally different plans for his or her positions.
treatment profiles like a basic ball-winning defensive midfielder. That is the kind of participant who may sit alongside Rusnak and ensure the Sounders aren’t really easy to attain on the quick break. How a lot would Remedi value? properly he was negotiated to San Jose final 12 months for $200k and has accomplished nothing to extend its worth. He’s additionally out of contract. On the finish of the 12 months.
Godoy, who scored in opposition to Seattle in Nashville’s win earlier this season, is a barely extra fascinating thought, however it could possibly be too pricey. In 2019, Nashville spent cash to signal Godoy, giving up $650k in xAM to carry him in from San Jose. On the time, solely Darlington Nagbe sought extra allocation cash at CM. by Godoy 2021 season he was completely unbelievable and obtained one of the best XI discuss. Nonetheless, it seems Nashville has different plans for its midfield after signing Sean Davis this offseason. Godoy brings all of the defensive stability that Remedi brings whereas he brings a lot, rather more in possession. The one draw back of a transfer for Godoy can be taking up his contract. His contract doesn’t expire on the finish of this season. Maybe the Sounders may shell out a decrease beginning quantity of allocation cash to soak up his salary-cap hit.
Discovering worth in couch cushions
If the Sounders are actually strapped for money, they may goal some unproven expertise lurking within the league’s rosters. If the Sounders need to signal a youthful offensive-minded left again, we all know Toronto FC it’s buying jacob shaffleburg. The younger Canadian has performed primarily as a left midfielder this season, however when he’s performed facet over time, he looks like an Alex Roldán from the left.
A very authentic thought and doubtlessly the most cost effective possibility of all could possibly be Charlotte. derrick jones. His profession has had many ups and downs after a promising begin in Philadelphia. He’s a pure defensive midfielder with quite a lot of dimension. What intrigues me about his potential is the numbers he endured the houston dynamo final season. Clearly, Houston wasn’t superb, however beneath Tab Ramos they performed a 4-3-3 with a lone defensive midfielder. In that setup, Jones was not often dribbled and was calculated and good when he utilized his strain on the ball service, ending within the 98th percentile for profitable pressures. If the Sounders desire a man who would definitely be low-cost given the Charlotte scenario, Jones may add worth to Seattle.
The Sounders might very properly maintain their floor and never make snap selections if the market will get too sizzling, however there could possibly be worth on the market.
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