The arrival of Cristhian Paredes to Portland was on a loan from Mexico’s premier squad Club America. Relegated to the bench and not factoring into manager Miguel Herrera plans. Still his arrival in the Mexican league was possible by Ricardo Lavolpe, former El Tri manager and a man known to develop top of the line and an unsurmountable number of players. Cristhian was one of those youths that caught the eye of the Argentinian and brought him to one of Mexico’s most prestigious clubs.
The year he was in Coapa, Mexico in Americas training grounds he learned many techniques and developed his skills despite not being a regular in this club initial eleven. However ever since his arrival a combination of David Guzman injury and international play, the man from Yaguaron, Paraguay got the opportunity he desired. He has not let the likes of Giovanni Savarese down with his hunger to play and ability to deliver in the clutch.
In his debut, here in Portland, the Guarani delivered a one of a kind match and so far, with his game he is settling down in the defensive midfield with his leader in Diego Chara. He was an active presence in Portland’s 3-2 win over Minnesota United FC on Saturday night, making the extra effort on defense and creating chances on the attack.
Has he adapted to Portland and Major League Soccer’s style of play? You bet! When one looks at the top of the club’s individual statistics his name is among those most commonly seen. Will that tell you something, his desire to excel and contribute for his new team is making him to stay put as a sure starter. So far, in six games he has accumulated 424 minutes. As his stats in Shots on Goal, stand in three behind Fanendo Adi (4), Diego Valeri (5), and Sebastian Blanco (8). In overall shots he is tied with Valeri for third with nine just just behind Adi (11) and Blanco (15). In assists he is in a three-way tie with Valeri and Adi with two.
The question arises when David Guzman returns, the way Paredes playing and Guzman will become a hard decision for Giovanni Savarese. In a 4-3-2-1 formation, he will for sure make a great alliance with Chara and Guzman. However, in a 4-2-3-1 that will be much more of a tough call. But with the way this man is showing off his game and rapidly adapting, what is for certain is that supporters will see much more of him in the remainder of the club’s campaign. If we see a continuance of his amazing game, it would be a mistake for the Timbers not to pick up his option.
Western Conference
Portland
