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Posted by
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May 15, 2018 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C. - WbThe injury riddled Houston Dynamo back-line is about to get a boost in the form of a Swedish import. Adam Lundqvist has joined Coach Wilmer Cabrera's squad after his international transfer certificate and visa paper work was completed last week. The Allsvenskan full-back signed with the Dynamo on April 26 from IF Elfsborg.
In seven seasons with IF Elfsborg, Lundqvist made 110 appearances and contributed 3 goals and 15 assists. The 24 year-old was drawn to Houston after they showed considerable interest in him. He wanted a change and MLS was the perfect fit.
"Houston showed interest in me and it was quite an easy decision for me to join." Lundqvist told RedNation Online following his first training session with Houston. "They have a great project going here, the team is very talented and young. I want to be part of their journey. It was an easy decision and very fun."
Lundqvist will be on the Dynamo books for $433,750 this season. A hefty hike from what most players make in Sweden. As to whether his salary was a motivating factor in his move across the pond to Major League Soccer. Lundqvist wasn't having any of it.
"Yeah, I don't know about that." said Lundqvist, when asked about his salary. "I'm just trying to focus on my game, and what I can do to contribute to the team. That's nothing that I'm trying to focus on. It's a great chance. I've got to come and play here on this team, in this league. I like the challenge, and I'm very excited."
A native of Nyköping, Sweden, Lundqvist is a left-back that gets up and down the pitch. He's got pace, agility, and great crossing ability. He's sure to bring another added dimension to an already dangerously potent Houston Dynamo attack.
"I'm a hard-working player that always gives one-hundred percent. That's what they can expect from me. I always try to do the best for the team. I hope to also contribute with some points, maybe get some goals and assists. Mainly, I'm a hard-working defender that try's my hardest every game."
As he prepares to acclimate himself to MLS, Lundqvist is doing so with more knowledge than you might expect. Eurosport airs MLS matches in Sweden, and several players from Sverige have played in MLS. Lundqvist's now former IF Elfsborg teammate Stefan Ishizaki, had a spell with the LA Galaxy.
"I have a great knowledge about the league." Lundqvist revealed. "I've been watching it back home in Sweden, and it's a big interest. It's a growing league, growing every year, growing fast. There's been a lot of players from Sweden going here. (I've) only heard great things about it. Watching football, and all the facilities around it, the crowd, everything is getting bigger. It's a very exciting league."
Manager, Wilmer Cabrera isn't quite sure when Lundqvist will be ready to make his debut. While he was waiting to get his papers sorted, Lundqvist was working out on his own in Sweden. The 3-3-3 Dynamo travel to play Chicago on Sunday at Toyota Park.
"In his position, he's a left-back." Cabrera explained. "He just arrived, so we've got to get to know him, so it's good. He's a very good left-back. He's a solid defender, strong, fast. He's very technical."
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and Lundqvist is about to find out just how big Houston, Texas is. Lundqvist will have plenty of family and friends to help him explore his new city. His fiancée will be joining him in Houston, and both of their families will be visiting in the summer.
"We're going to have a lot of family over, and we're looking forward to it. I've never been to Texas or Houston, so it's going to be fun for them too.
It's quite new for me. I recently was informed that it's the fourth biggest city in all of America. (There's) probably a lot of stuff to do, and explore, and I like to do that. Yeah, I'm really looking forward to moving there."
When Lundqvist is not on the pitch he loves his fika. Every Swedish person enjoys a good afternoon of relaxing, taking a step back, and enjoying life. A respite from the daily routine of life is always met with an afternoon break. In Sweden, it's called fika.
"My go to fika... I would probably say a double espresso with a cinnamon roll. That's my go to fika."
The Houston Dynamo are banking on Adam Lundqvist to provide solid defence and offensive flare. It may take some time to get comfortable and adjusted, but Lundqvist is raring to show his smörgåsbord of skill that helped him make the journey to MLS.
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