FC Cincinnati: Allan Cruz the player every great team requires

FC Cincinnati are reportedly close to a deal for Costa Rican international, Allan Cruz. The midfielder, dubbed as the ‘Tico Kante’, is the type of player that every great team requires.

Toronto FC have Michael Bradley. The Portland Timbers have Diego Chara. The Seattle Sounders had Ozzie Alonso.

There might not be a more important position in football than the holding midfielder, the player tasked with connecting the defence to the midfield, conducting play in possession from deep, and screening the back four from attacks with smartly timed tackles, interceptions and astute sensing of danger.

Manchester City might well be the best team in the world at present. It is no coincidence that their two consecutive losses to Leicester City and Crystal Palace in December came without Fernandinho. He is the linchpin of the team, essential to every aspect of Pep Guardiola’s system.

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Look at the two best teams in MLS last season. Atlanta United and Eric Remedi. The New York Red Bulls and Tyler Adams. They had two superb holding midfielders as cornerstones of the whole team, the key connecting piece in and out of possession. When building a team, there may not be a more important position to sign a truly elite player to fill. And that is what FC Cincinnati are attempting to do this offseason.

According to reports in South America and later confirmed by The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio, Cincinnati intend to sign Costa Rican international Allan Cruz. It remains to be seen whether a deal will be completed, but it is expected that Cincinnati can push the move over the line. It would be a significant addition as they prepare for their first season in MLS.

Cruz, 22, though he will be 23 prior to the start of the 2019 MLS season, is a snappy, industrious midfielder with a rare and invaluable knack for sensing danger, anticipating space and breaking up opponents’ attacks. Known as the ‘Tico Kante’, Cruz is a quick, agile player who does play in a very similar manner to the Chelsea great, who has redefined the position in recent years thanks to this athletic traits.

Whether he can adapt to MLS life remains to be seen, obviously. But he has six international caps with Costa Rica and has made 76 appearances for Costa Rican team Herediano since a transfer in 2017. Herediano qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League, with Cruz a key part of their run. Even for a player of his youth, FC Cincinnati are signing an experienced midfielder.

And in the increasingly fast-paced modern game in which defensive players are having to cover more and more space, a player of Cruz’s ilk is becoming a necessity for every great team — even for every average team, in fact. Cincinnati have clearly recognised the importance of the position and addressed it swiftly.

Allan Cruz will arrive with expectation, of course. But he has the tools to satisfy them at the position that can revolutionise a team. This is smart, smart business indeed.