Amidst an offseason rebuilding project that has added players in all positions around the field, the Colorado Rapids have added the player they hope will help unlock opposing defenses in midfielder Juan Ramirez.
The Argentine, announced as the club’s second Designated Player on Friday, is only 21, and while Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni may not be willing to put too much pressure on any of his newcomers to the league, he clearly appeared to be excited by the potential Ramirez brings.
“I think he’s another young player that has some professional years of experience, which is important,” Mastroeni told MLSsoccer.com.
“I think he’s really dynamic, really good with the ball, quick movements, works both ways, and brings an offensive element, I think that any team would like and any team hates to defend, which is very direct on goal, likes the one-on-one, likes the combination play towards goal.”
Ramirez has spent all of his career prior to his move to Colorado with Argentinos Juniors, playing in both the first and second divisions with the club since his professional debut in 2011. He’s scored a total of five goals in his career, all in league play.
He’s also the latest youngster from the club to come to MLS, following former teammates Matias Laba, who plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Leandro Barrera, now with the San Jose Earthquakes.
For the Rapids, who have brought in nine new players in the offseason, Ramirez’s arrival will hopefully boost the goals output for the squad, and help the team avoid the slumps experienced in 2014, which included a 14-game winless streak to close out the season.
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And while a starting spot is not necessarily assured early in the season, with considerable midfield depth between the likes of Dillon Powers, Dillon Serna and fellow Rapids newcomers Marcelo Sarvas, Sam Cronin, and Lucas Pittinari, Ramirez’s skill set and familiarity playing on the left side of midfield may be somewhat unique among the team’s midfielders.
But as far as Mastroeni is concerned, Ramirez may be the “real crafty player” Colorado has been looking for who “will add an element of attack for our group.”
