Photo: Columbus Crew SC
Columbus.- Last year, the right back position was the weakest spot for The Crew SC. Josh wiiliams started the season, then they tried Michael Parkhurst but the move unbalanced the back line. Hector Jiménez was the last one to work the line, which he did efficiently but it’s not his natural role, he is a midfielder converted into a fullback. That’s why, in his second year as a head Coach, Gregg Berhalter went and signed seasoned defender Hernan Grana.
“He’s a very experienced defender that is used to playing in high-pressure situations. We feel that his style of play and experience are not only going to be an asset in the field but are going to help our younger players as they continue to develop.” that was the overall picture from Gregg Berhalter, now lets take a look at the megapixels:
Experience
Grana, started his career in 2003 with Third Division Side Platense, and he made his way up to the top when he played last season with Argentinian soccer giant Boca Juniors. He went through all the phases. He didn’t skip one step and played in all environments, especially in the Primera B, a Division where hostility can leave the stands and goes face to face with the players. In Boca, the pressure is a daily commute players have to navigate 24/7, is the price they have to pay for playing for the most popular team in the country and probably in the Continent.
Style of play
Berhalter mentioned his positioning and his anticipation, but what the Argentine brings is something that MLS is yet to witness in a fullback: Elegance. How many times have you seen a defender pass the ball between the rivals legs? Grana is capable of it, but the most vital aspect of his game is that he doesn’t compromise plays nor rushes to pass, a combination that helps reduce turnovers. His offensive projections are educated, he keeps his head up and has a panoramic view of the game.
His left leg
This is not a small detail; most players lose accuracy when they have to use their weak leg, not Grana. It doesn’t matter which leg he uses to send the cross, the delivery stays intact. Coming from the right side of the field the crosses with the left leg are deeper, can cut through defenses and favor runs for players like Ethan Finlay.
The Crew SC back line is loaded for 2015 and Grana is one of the reasons why.
