Player Profile: Patrick Ianni

Despite being a United States U-20 player and a high draft pick it took a couple years for Patrick Ianni to get regular playing time with the Dynamo. Once the Seattle Sounders acquired him he was used as a CB/CDM/RB fill in, but by the time 2012 came around he ramped up his playing time as part of the three CB rotation.

This past year ended with an injury for Ianni, but at the start of the year he and Hurtado were the pairing. Unless a major acquisition is made his extension and Parke's trade make it nearly certain that Hurtado/Ianni will start in 2013.

Skills on offense: Generally good with the ball at his feet, but his gaffes can hurt. Rarely gets forward to make short attacking passes. Best swinging the ball out to a full back or other wide player when deep. Decent header of the ball, but his glory moment was the goal of the year when he scored with his foot nearly overhead.

Skills on defense: Strong man marker who likes to mix it up using shoulders and hips. Can mark even the largest target men. Speed players will beat him more often than not. Flexible in uses as a right or left centerback, his tactical awareness is good. Does not get beat when defending set-pieces.

Best Case in 2013: If he can be healthy for the year he is capable of being a strong defender just outsides of the "best CB" discussion similar to Parke. His stats will look great due to the players around him and he's just now entering his peak.