Minnesota United: Third Designated Player Jan Gregus provides playoff shot

Minnesota United made their first move of the offseason, signing midfielder Jan Gregus from FC Copenhagen as a Designated Player. The addition provides the Loons with a shot at the playoffs, and that is all the fans can ask for.

Minnesota United FC have signed Slovakian international midfielder Jan Gregus to a three-year contract, during which the 27-year-old will be a Designated Player for the Loons.

In signing Gregus, the club has used their third DP spot, with Colombians Darwin Quintero and Angelo Rodriguez occupying the other two, however Rodriguez can be bought down with TAM if the club decides they want to sign another DP this offseason.

This is a big shift for Minnesota, as they entered last season with zero DPs on the roster. Clearly, they are building towards a playoff push.

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Gregus brings both Europa League and Champions League experience to the side, which is a valuable asset to any team. A player who has played on stages of that magnitude won’t be rattled by even the biggest of MLS matches, which is something the Loons need.

He is a good passer with a wicked shot from distance and some great dead ball ability that made him Copenhagen’s designated freekick and corner-kick taker whenever he was on the pitch. Though Quintero does an adequate job in that department, the Loons have still been in need of a true set-piece specialist and Gregus seems to provide that. It is also a testament to his technique and skill in striking the ball, as a passer, shooter and accurate deliverer of crosses, long passes and through balls.

More of a number eight who can play as a deep-lying playmaker, the Loons have a decision to make in the midfield. Defensively, Gregus seems to be a similar player to Rasmus Schuller in that he does contribute to screening the defence and is good at cutting out passing lanes, but isn’t a true destroyer-type that many Loons fans wanted.

So, does the club just hope that the contributions of both are enough to get by without a true anchoring midfielder? It is certainly the most likely option. If Gregus is able to contribute defensively at a level similar to Schuller, it would be much better than what they had last season, and it would help the defense behind them.

Loons fans may have been hoping for someone with a little more bite, but a Schuller/Gregus midfield could do well enough defensively to really improve the structure of the team. It will also provide a midfield of great passing ability, providing foundations for the likes of Quintero and Rodriguez to attack from, feeding them in advanced, dangerous positions.

Did Minnesota find their man in Gregus and how will he translate to MLS? They are questions that remain to be answered. But it is nice to see the club investing in talent. They are giving themselves a shot at the playoffs, and that is all the fans can ask for.