When the Columbus Crew signed midfielder James Igbekeme to a loan deal back in January, the Crew knew that they were getting a solid midfielder. “James is a versatile midfielder and his addition will help strengthen our roster,” Tim Bezbatchenko said.
“He will provide us with another strong option in the midfield and his contributions will be seen on both sides of the ball.”
Fitting right in: James Igbekeme
At 26, Igbekeme joined Columbus from Real Zaragoza who play in Spanish Segunda Division in. Columbus do hold an option to exercise the permanent transfer of Igbekeme following the duration of the loan that ends in December.
Since his addition to the Black & Gold, Igbekeme has made appearances coming off of the bench, with his first appearance coming in the 4-0 thrashing against the Vancouver Whitecaps at the beginning of the season.
But his play speaks louder than what people may perceive.
With Caleb Porter starting him the last two matches on both wing sides, it shows that he can be moved anywhere and can perform the necessary needs to help the Crew get a positive result, in which the Crew got with a draw against Sporting Kansas City and their most recent 3-0 win over D.C. United.
“He’s a confident player, he always wants the ball,” said midfielder Darlington Nagbe. “When he does get the ball he can operate in tight spaces, he’s got the legs to run in behind. He’s comfortable playing positions on the field; Hardworker as well so I think with him on the field you have another guy who’s dynamic, good in possession but at the same time can break down a defense.”
The role in which he plays
Recently, head coach Caleb Porter has trotted out a 4-3-3 lineup, switching Igbekeme from the LW to the RW position. With tendencies of shifting inside, Igbekeme provides another option of closing down an attacking phase from the opposition.
“He’s just another soccer player on the field. He’s smart, very good defender, he’s quick. Just a good player,” said Porter.
“We brought him in knowing he was versatile, he can play the 6, the 8, the 10 and wide; Different formations as well. Right now he’s in our top 11. We’re playing him in a way and we’ll continue to play him in a way where it suits him, it suits the game and it suits our team. We can move him around in different spots and pair him with different guys.”
But James himself only does what he feels is best for the team and what he’s told to do.
“I feel very good,” Igbekeme said. “I’m happy with my teammates. I think it’s a good opportunity coming from the bench, and now I’m playing from the beginning. I have a good relationship with teams and they understand me and I understand them so I think working together with them is very good.”
James has appeared in seven matches, accumulating a total of 268 minutes played since joining the Black & Gold at the beginning of the year.
Columbs are on the road in Foxborough to take on the New England Revolution.
