Minnesota United: What does Ozzie Alonso signing mean?

Minnesota United have officially signed former Seattle Sounders captain Ozzie Alonso. What does his acquisition mean for the Loons and can he bring some stability to the questionable midfield?

Minnesota United were able to pick up MLS legend Ozzie Alonso up off waivers on Thursday, thanks to a trade that sent a second-round MLS SuperDraft pick to Orlando City SC for their spot in the waiver order.

Minnesota also received two fourth-round SuperDraft picks in the deal, which will likely turn into future Forward Madison players.

Alonso, who defected from his native Cuba in 2007, joins Minnesota United after an impressive stint with the Sounders that saw him win four U.S. Open Cups, an MLS Cup, and an MLS Supporters’ Shield during his 11-year stay, during which he made 277 appearances.

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Alonso was also named an MLS All-Star four times and named to the MLS Best XI in 2012. Now 33, Alonso is in the twilight of his illustrious career, but the Loons still feel he has something to offer. Known for his tenacity in the midfield, a trait that led to him affectionately being called ‘Honey Badger’ by Sounders fans, Alonso has been one of the best ball-winners in MLS since he entered the league in 2009, which is something Minnesota desperately needs.

He also brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities to the team, and it wouldn’t surprise many if he was named as the team’s captain, which is a position he held for many years in Seattle. But what does all this mean for Minnesota and the starting XI?

Well, assuming that the Loons use a formation that includes two central midfielders, as they did last season, Alonso would likely start next to Slovakian DP signing Jan Gregus, with Alonso provided defensive stability and Gregus tasked with moving the play forward, connecting the midfield with the attack, and progressing Minnesota into attacking positions with searching passes into more advanced teammates.

If this does come to fruition, it would push 2018 starter and MLS tackles leader Rasmus Schuller to the bench, though he’d be the first one called upon in the event of an injury to Alonso or Gregus. With Schuller as an option off the bench, the Loons would have more quality depth in the midfield than ever before. And in the midfield, depth is critical, given the greater physical exertion that the position demands, as well as the fact that the starting pair will consist of an ageing, increasingly injured veteran and a player who has no prior experience of MLS.

So, how much does Ozzie Alonso have left in the tank? Can he help the Loons make their first-ever playoff appearance? With the regular season drawing nearer, those questions will soon be answered, but, in the meantime, the Loons have more pieces to add. Stay tuned.