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Posted by
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February 21, 2018 |
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VANCOUVER, B.C. - Whitecaps FC will have a new man leading the midfield orchestra when the season kicks off on Sunday, March 4 vs Montreal Impact. Efraín Juárez has quickly adapted and added new life to the Vancouver midfield. The Mexican international brings an extensive resume to a Caps squad looking for leadership, knowledge, and defensive composure from the middle of the park.
Juárez, who will celebrate his 30th birthday on Thursday wanted a new challenge. He's played for Celtic FC, Real Zaragoza, Pumas UNAM, Club America, and most recently C.F Monterray. He's competed in the Champions League, Europa League, and World Cup.
"I'm so happy for being here," Juárez said. "I've been in a long time in Mexico. I played in Europe too, for me to come to MLS, and a club like the Whitecaps, it's important. It's another step. Every morning, I need to keep improving. In Mexico, I was a long time there. I won championships. To come to MLS is another challenge, and I'm so happy to be here."
The Caps have landed a gem in Juárez. He sought out a move to Major League Soccer, and preseason returns have shown that he is fitting in and becoming a vocal leader on and off the pitch. Juárez's defensive awareness will no doubt be his biggest contribution.
He's "All action," as Whitecaps FC Coach Carl Robinson called him. The Caps gaffer couldn't be happier with how Juárez is acclimating to his new team. There is clearly nothing Effy about him.
"Great, everyone loves Effy, and we know that," said Robinson. "Players, coaches, fans, will love him. Media will love him. He's brilliant. As a manager, he does what you want. He's always pushing the boundaries with his teammates. He's trying to get them better. He's been there and done it. He's a great addition for us because he's so hungry to play, and wants the ball."
What exactly can Whitecaps FC fans expect to see from Juárez? He's a box to box midfielder that has made a name for himself on the defensive end. He has the talent to get forward, but his bread, and butter is preventing the other team from breaking out. Juárez isn't afraid to stick in a tackle. He reads the play, anticipates, and most importantly his defensive ability provides an ease of confidence for his teammates.
"I can put my experience, effort, work," Juárez said. "At the end, like I did with all of my ex-teams, I worked hard for the team. I'm really so happy, I try to do my best for the team, for this club. Everyone is making a very good effort. I can contribute with my experience, and I can promise to work hard. I can run all day, all night to win something. This season, I want to try and get in the final, to the cup. We need to go step by step, game by game."
The rigorous travel schedule, questionable pitches, and overall physicality of MLS might cause some internationals to shy away from MLS, but not Effy Juárez. He's thriving to become a better footballer. MLS will be a challenge, but something new, and exciting.
"Yes, at the end, football is football everywhere," Juárez said. "I follow the league from Mexico, I know it's physical, it's hard, but at the end... I can adapt to the game I play. I played in clubs where it's physically similar, MLS, to the Scottish League. It's important that I need to work hard, and I need to keep pushing all the time."
While Whitecaps FC have made some curious transfers over the years, bringing in a World Cup veteran with 39 national team appearances, isn't one of them. The work rate and defensive responsibility that Efraín Juárez will bring, will make him an instant fan favourite. He's dependable, and eager to make Vancouver Whitecaps FC a consistent winner this season.
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