Photo: Alex Caulfield (SoundersFC Communications)
So it’s wide midfield For Roldan then?
By Steven Agen
After rampant speculation that Sounders first round draft pick Cristian Roldan would transition to a defensive midfield role in the professional game, it appears that he may play as a wide midfielder instead. An accomplished center attacking midfielder in college, even UW head coach Jamie Clark had made references to Roldan lining up in Alonso’s natural role at CenturyLink Field.
However, in a 3-1 victory over the LA PSL All-Stars, Roldan was given the nod out wide. Chris Henderson, in an interview with the club on their SoundCloud page, mentioned off-handedly that Roldan had received minutes out wide.
When asked on who stood out in the scrimmage:
“Dylan [Remick] got a few runs on the flank. I think for sure that Rossi’s [Sounders trialist] goal is the one that stands out, but those guys getting used to playing, Rodlan getting used to playing wide midfield and the movement of that position [stood out], so each day the guys have to try and improve and get better.”
Roldan himself spoke to the enjoyment of getting minutes under his belt, and emphasized the fitness he gained.
“It was a good feeling to play in some heat. We played a little bit less time than we we normally do, so, it was good for our fitness side and the actual playing side.”
When asked how he performed, it became clear that any transition for Roldan would not take away from his defensive responsibilities:
“I did alright. I felt like I did a lot of my fitness today. ran up and down the field, played both sides of the ball. Obviously I could do a little bit better, I think everybody would say that.”
The prospect of Roldan as a two-way wide midfielder is intriguing. Given the demands of center midfield, and incumbent backups Andy Rose and Michael Azira both returning, this move could give Roldan a chance to see minutes in his rookie year.
Brad Evans, taking minutes next to Chad Marshall at centerback now, vacated his role as the only outside man with defensive acumen. This gives Roldan a very real shot at locking down the top spot in that particular category. Neither Marco Pappa nor Lamar Neagle have the skillset to contribute significantly on both sides of the ball.
It has been six years since Steve Zakuani came in and lit up the league as a rookie. Draft picks since have ranged from underwhelming to non-existent. If Roldan proves competent in his new role, and Evans does transition to centerback, we could see some young (SuperDrafted) blood in Seattle’s starting lineup come March.
The Sounders’ next preseason test comes today at 11.30AM against rivals LA Galaxy.
Other Links:
Lager than life. Sounders new GM vows to ‘listen but be an independent voice’.
