A Refreshing Move - Bay Area Sports Nation

After months of waiting, the Quakes have made a big transfer. In one move, they have reinforced their philosophy and strengthened their side.

Quakes fans have finally seen their front office make a solid attempt at making the playoffs.

Carlos Gruezo is an excellent player who will bring much-needed experience to the Quakes.

Not many Quakes fans were expecting to see this transfer, but this is a welcome move.

The Ecuadorian midfielder is a natural fit for a Quakes midfield that was desperately lacking a real number 6. Gruezo’s top-flight experience in the Bundesliga and MLS automatically makes him the most important veteran presence. Not only is this an excellent signing, but it’s a sign of the front office’s new philosophy.

Last season saw the Quakes treating their midfield like a rotating door. Gruezo should put an end to that as he takes that defensive midfield spot. His addition will bring much-needed balance to this Quakes’ midfield.

Fans were expecting the team to remain dormant in this window, but this is a needed jolt of confidence. Gruezo isn’t the flashiest move, but he is just what San Jose needs.

A career that has spanned three continents sees Gruezo back in MLS. His experience in Germany and MLS make him the perfect new Quakes signing.

Starting his career in his native Ecuador, he quickly drew the eyes of European scouts. At 19, Gruezo got his first taste in Europe with Stuttgart. While he never fully settled in, there was enough to compel FC Dallas to sign him.

Dallas got a midfield wrecker who was able to anchor those incredible FC Dallas teams of the mid-2010s. Over his four years in Texas, Gruezo won just about everything except the MLS Cup. After those four years, the Ecuadorian returned to Germany with FC Augsburg.

Now he’s in the Bay, ready to be the crowning jewel of the new era of Quakes’ soccer. Leitch’s new philosophy of building a team filled with MLS veterans. These veterans are supposed to stabilize the side and give the youngsters the freedom to be themselves.

Gruezo is a godsend for both Leitch and Luchi, as he will be the perfect midfield partner for any Quakes midfielder. His experience of winning MLS play gives the team something that Remedi tried to bring during his time in San Jose. Above all, his signing shows that this team is now fully Leitch’s, and it’s up to him to follow through on his vision.

For Quakes’ fans who were dreaming of seeing the club make a competitive signing, Gruezo is that dream realized. While he is not Gareth Bale, he is the embodiment of Leitch’s vision of a Quakes side that can compete in MLS.

Over the past few years, the Quakes have assembled out some truly awful midfields. Gruezo is the finishing piece in what will hopefully elevate a dire position.

As a true number 6, Gruezo is a defensive-minded player who can help bring the ball up. He should be an upgrade on both Judson and Remedi. Gruezo is a better reader of the game and knows how to progress play.

What makes him more exciting than just a traditional number 6 is his passing. During his peak years at Dallas, Gruezo was completing over 85% of his passes. His variety of passes made him a threat in both short passes as well as lobbing the ball to more pacy wingers.

This is why he’s such a perfect fit for any combination of Quakes’ midfield options. In addition, his signing will allow younger players the necessary room to grow.

One of the things that has held back the Quakes is the lack of balance in the middle. Yueill isn’t good enough defensively to sit in front of the defense, and Monteiro needs to play high up. Gruezo gives both Monteiro and Yueill cover to be more involved in the attack.

At the same time, his defensive shifts should also cover Cowell’s runs and give him protection while tracking back. Neither Cruz Medina nor Niko Tsakiris are fully ready to start for a full MLS season. However, when they’re on the pitch, they’ll have Gruezo to help them out defensively and organize them to ensure they don’t get lost.

Gruezo will be one of the sneaky best pickups of this MLS offseason. He gives the team much-needed balance and leadership, only increasing the team’s odds towards an MLS cup – something you can regularly check with no-deposit bonus codes.