Seattle Sounders: Where does Gustav Svensson Fit in?
By Paul Taylor
The Seattle Sounders have reportedly signed Gustav Svensson, but what plans does head coach Brian Schmetzer have for the Swedish midfielder?
The Seattle Sounders have a history of bringing in Swedish footballers, going back to signing Freddie Ljungberg for their inaugural season in 2009. The most recent addition was Erik Friberg, who has just completed his second spell with the club.
Now, it appears another Swedish players is set to pull on the Sounders’ jersey, as per an article from the always excellent Sounder at Heart. Jeremiah Oshan writes that reports out of Sweden indicate the Rave Green have signed Gustav Svensson.
Even though nothing has been confirmed at the time of writing, Svensson has apparently already agreed a two-year deal to come to Seattle. What makes this interesting, is he was only one season into a three-year contract he signed with Chinese side Guangzhou R&F.
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However, as Oshan explains, the 29-year old is a victim of China’s new restrictive roster rules. Of course Guangzhou R&F’s loss is the Sounders’ gain, but where he will fit into the lineup?
The main reason for asking this, is because the Sounders are already set at the defensive midfield position, thanks to Osvaldo Alonso and Cristian Roldan. Alonso is coming off his best season yet in Seattle, while Roldan has emerged to become a key member of the starting 11.
The reality is that Svensson has been brought in to provide quality depth, as opposed to starting regularly. He has a lot of invaluable experience, after a 12-year professional career that also includes spells in Turkey and the Ukraine.
As a bonus, the Gothenburg, Sweden native is also capable of playing at the center back position. Overall, he should prove to be a more than useful acquisition for Sounders’ head coach Brian Schmetzer to take advantage of.
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What’s your position on the Sounders’ apparently bringing Svensson in? Are you on board with the move, against it or taking a wait-and-see approach? Share your thoughts in the comments section.