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Columbus Crew: Best starting XI of 2010s

By John Harbeck

COMMERCE CITY, CO - JUNE 03: Federico Higuain #10 of the Columbus Crew SC celebrates his goal with Waylon Francis #14 against the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on June 3, 2017 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
COMMERCE CITY, CO - JUNE 03: Federico Higuain #10 of the Columbus Crew SC celebrates his goal with Waylon Francis #14 against the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on June 3, 2017 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 29: Columbus Crew SC forward Pedro Santos #7 keeps the ball from going out of bounds during the game between the Columbus Crew SC and the Philadelphia Union at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on September 29, 2019.(Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 29: Columbus Crew SC forward Pedro Santos #7 keeps the ball from going out of bounds during the game between the Columbus Crew SC and the Philadelphia Union at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on September 29, 2019.(Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Wingers

Justin Meram, Ethan Finlay

The left side of the winger debate begins and ends with Justin Meram. He has played at least some role in that position since 2013. I know that Meram can be a polarizing player (look at his time in Orlando), but when he isn’t someone a club is relying on to be their best player he can excel.

The problem in Orlando was that he was asked to be the focal point of the attack too much. Meram is much better suited as a winger who can spring up and create a bit of magic cutting in on his right foot from the left-wing. He has a bag of tricks and between the 2016 and 2017 seasons, he posted a total of 19 goals and 16 assists.

On the right, we have a much more interesting debate. There are three contenders: Ethan Finlay, Eddie Gaven, and Pedro Santos.

Gaven has to be mentioned first as his is probably the most interesting career of the three. He had a largely unremarkable career in terms of playing, never scoring double-digit goals, he was a hard worker and was always up for anything. Twice he strapped on the goalkeeper gloves, looking hilariously out of place. After the 2013 season, Gaven decided he had enough of soccer and quite literally disappeared.

Santos, despite recovering his reputation with Columbus fans this past season, has looked out of place since coming over on a DP contract from Braga. The best way to sum up Santos’ time in Columbus is disappointing as the final product always seems to be lacking. However, credit needs to be given for this past season as Santos compiled 11 goals and five assists, albeit mostly in the middle.

The winner of the right-wing position has to go to Ethan Finlay, who posted a double-double (13 goals, 11 assists) in 2015. Much like Meram on the left, Finlay should never be the focal point of an attack, but when he can use his speed against a defense, he is extremely dangerous. Finlay is a much more traditional winger, preferring to stay out wide and beating his defender down the line. 2015 is when his game came together offensively as he was consistently put in the correct position to tap in goals and maximize his potential.

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