Franco Fragapane may be an attacking player but when asked about what he brings to Minnesota United, the winger didn’t talk about his creativity or even goal scoring.
Instead, Fragapane’s first comments were about his work rate.
Hailed as part of the continuing evolution of Minnesota United and their attack, the 28-year old Argentine certainly will be integral in helping the Western Conference club elevate their ability to score goals. But an underappreciated part of his game is his work rate, something that he says he brings to Minnesota United.
“I can give the team a lot of help defensively as well as offensively,” Fragapane said via a translator in media availability on Thursday. “The truth is that I was playing very well in Argentina, and well, I had the possibility of coming here and now it’s time to do it the best way.”
Primarily a left winger, Fragapane also boats experience with the Argentine U23 national team.
He has spent time with some of the bigger clubs in Argentina including Talleres and Club Atletico Union. Fragapane began his career with vaunted club Boca Juniors, making three appearances with the senior team after starting in their academy.
Minnesota United will likely have Franco Fragapane in their gameday roster this weekend at Real Salt Lake. While he isn’t likely to start, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him come off the bench in the second half to get his first MLS minutes.
“Very calm,” Fragapane said when asked about possibly seeing minutes this weekend.
“The truth is that I am training for that. Obviously, I want to play, I came for that. So let’s see if I can do it.”
Heading into Saturday’s match at Rio Tinto Stadium, Minnesota United is tied at the bottom of the Western Conference on six points. But that outlook is rather deceiving, given that the club has won their last two games after losing their first four matches of the season.
Fragapane will be called upon to help a midfield and attack that has just five goals this season, tied for the worst in MLS.
Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer