LaLiga to MLS: Columbus Crew introduces Brais Méndez

The Columbus Crew formally launched Brais Mendez because the membership’s latest Designated Player on Friday, welcoming an completed Spanish midfielder whose arrival brings a powerful resume to MLS.

Best recognized for his four-year run at LaLiga facet Real Sociedad, Méndez established himself as one of many membership’s key midfielders, serving to La Real qualify for the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League whereas incomes 4 senior caps with Spain.

The 29-year-old additionally loved a productive spell with boyhood membership Celta de Vigo, making 332 complete LaLiga appearances earlier than becoming a member of Columbus.

“It was going to be difficult just because of the level he plays at, the club he was playing for, his age, playing still at his prime,” common supervisor Issa Tall advised reporters at Friday’s introductory press convention. “But we tried as a result of for us we consider that Brais was going to elevate our membership, make our workforce higher, and we’re very joyful to have him right here with us right this moment.

“…I don’t think we’ve ever done this,” added Tall. “Having a player playing at such a top league and being a regular, it’s something we can be very proud about.”

Méndez arrives at a pivotal second for the Crew.

Over the previous 18 months, Columbus have parted methods with two of MLS’s premier attacking skills in Cucho Hernández and Diego Rossi. They first sent Hernandez to Real Betis for a club-record price earlier than transferring Rossi to LIGA MX’s CF Monterrey earlier this month.

Now, Méndez is predicted to spearhead the subsequent iteration of the membership’s assault.

“Issa explained the project of winning and playing good soccer,” Méndez mentioned by a translator. “He spoke very well about the city, and that’s what, as a player, that’s all we want – to win and compete, as well as to live in a beautiful, welcoming city.”

On the sphere, Méndez mentioned he prides himself on making an influence within the remaining third, whether or not by scoring objectives or creating them for teammates.

“I describe myself as a competitive player,” he mentioned. “I like to win. I enjoy having the ball and being close to the goal. I like to score as well as give assists, and I’ll show you that on the pitch.”

Méndez additionally believes the expertise he gained competing in opposition to a few of the world’s finest gamers in LaLiga, together with Inter Miami CF famous person Lionel Messiwill serve him properly in MLS.

“I’ve had the fortune of competing against great players in LaLiga,” Méndez mentioned. “Speaking of Messi, I compete against him in LaLiga, but that speaks to the good things of MLS, how it attracts good players, and we’ll continue to show that.”

Columbus will hope that influence arrives earlier than later.

The Crew are simply outdoors the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs image, occupying the No. 11 spot within the Eastern Conference desk (16 factors; 4W-8L-4D file) and in quest of a second-half emergence.

Currently led by interim supervisor Laurent Courtois, Columbus will host Hell is Real rivals FC Cincinnati with out Méndez on Saturday (7:15 pm ET | AppleTV; FS1, FOX Deportes).

The playmaker expects to be slot in a “couple of weeks” after arriving from Spain’s offseason earlier than wanting to assist Columbus climb again into the playoff image.

“I hope [the fans] enjoy the way I play,” he mentioned. “I’ll give everything I have for this club and hopefully we can celebrate a lot of victories together.”