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Seattle Sounders: New Dutch Right-Back Signed

By Nathan Reynolds

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 01: Zhang Yuning and Kelvin Leerdam of Vitesse Arnhem celebrates victory with team mates after the Dutch KNVB Cup Semi-final match between Sparta Rotterdam and Vitesse Arnhem held at Het Kasteel or The Castle on March 1, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 01: Zhang Yuning and Kelvin Leerdam of Vitesse Arnhem celebrates victory with team mates after the Dutch KNVB Cup Semi-final match between Sparta Rotterdam and Vitesse Arnhem held at Het Kasteel or The Castle on March 1, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Addressing their biggest need, the Seattle Sounders announced the arrival of Kelvin Leerdam from the Eredivisie. How will he change the lineup and attack?

Ahead of the summer transfer window opening for the MLS, the Seattle Sounders secured the versatile Kelvin Leerdam from SBV Vitesse in the Netherlands. He was acquired using TAM and will be able to officially join the squad on July 10th.

"Sounders Sporting Director and Vice President of Soccer Chris Henderson, “He has a certain way that he wants to play and it fits what we were looking for as well. With the style that we have, with our outside backs getting a great number of touches each game, it’s an important position for our squad.”"

Meet Mr. Leerdam

The right-back (and sometimes defensive midfielder) has played his entire professional career in the Eredivisie until making this switch to the MLS. After a decade with Feyenoord and Vitesse combined, Leerdam made almost 200 appearances and netted 18 goals.

Sounders fans should expect a very similar performance to Joevin Jones, which will do wonders for the attack along the right-hand side.

Quick Stats:

  • Age: 27
  • Height: 5’10”
  • Trophies: KNVB Cup (2016-17)
  • European Appearances: 11
  • International Experience: Netherlands U19s and U21s

The Sounders New Line-up

Throughout the 2017 season, the right side of the pitch has been the main issue for the Sounders. A revolving door at right back and a lack of crosses from that side of the pitch (minus that lovely one from Roman Torres to Clint Dempsey). Leerdam

Leerdam is expected to shore up that side of the backline and aid the attack in the same way Joevin Jones has on the left. With Seattle’s style of play and Jones’ ability, he is tied for first on the team with five assists this season. If the Sounders just picked up his equal on the right, it could be wonderful news for the box poacher Will Bruin.

Next: Real Salt Lake: RSL adds defensive strength with Marcelo Silva

Now the questions on fans minds are around the formation and a right winger. Dempsey and Lodeiro both want to play in the 10 role, and neither thrive out on the right flank. Morris has yet to find his form in 2017, while Will Bruin has played his way into a starting XI role. One more change is still needed to push this team into first gear, but who will be the odd man left out?

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