Argudo’s strong play puts charge into Crew
The Crew couldn’t replace midfielder Federico Higuain immediately when the de-facto quarterback of the offense was lost for the season in May to a torn knee ligament.
Other players were slotted into makeshift roles and the club hoped they could play at a level capable of delivering results. No player has earned more playing time in Higuain’s absence than second-year midfielder Luis Argudo.
Over eight straight games since Higuain last played, Argudo has steadily improved while convincing coach Caleb Porter that he can do the job.
“I thought Luis Argudo over the last three games was one of the best players on the field in terms of what he brought — the energy, the fight,” Porter said Saturday after a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Impact.
Argudo played just 52 minutes in four appearances in the first 15 games. He has started in four straight games and five of the past eight, appearing in all. He made six starts in 18 appearances last season.
Porter won’t put players in the lineup just to get them experience. Argudo has earned additional playing time by creating scoring chances and getting an assist on the tying goal last week at the Chicago Fire.
“Here’s a guy that’s not been known as a top player on our team and he’s emerged as a guy that’s really, really capable of helping us win games and get the job done,” Porter said.
Porter has seen a confidence and a bit of a “swagger” that he thought the 23-yearold had but hadn’t seen before. Instead of expecting playing time like he had in college at Wake Forest, Argudo has taken control of earning his spot, and has shown an edge that Porter wants and has bought into the system.
“I think last year
I was a bit nervous, but I think now just every game I’m getting settled in and just doing my job,” Argudo said.
As someone who can play the center of the midfield, Argudo brings some versatility to the offense. He fits the profile of a winger who plays more in the pockets and distributes but can also run with the ball. Goals and more assists will be expected, but Argudo’s defensive work and confidence are also reasons to keep him on the field.
“I’m looking for the players that are going to bring it every game,” Porter said. “With Luis, he’s brought it and he’s brought us a little bit of production and quality. Now, will he keep being in there if he doesn’t score? No, probably not. So he’s got to keep producing.”
The winger position will be crowded when Youness Mokhtar joins the club after obtaining his work visa, so that increased production might have to come sooner rather than later for Argudo. He has made the most of extra playing time, and maybe has solidified his spot.
“He just tells me to keep going and keep pushing,” Argudo said of Porter. “For me, I just want to help the team out, so that’s all I’m doing.”