Player Profile: Osvaldo Alonso

No Seattle Sounders player puts in more minutes than Osvaldo Alonso, but that isn't why he's valuable. His talent is strong enough that he has twice trained in England (Everton, West Ham). He also knows about his nickname, but doesn't really care.

In 2012 Sounders fans didn't see anything much new from Osvaldo Alonso, just tiny improvements in every part of his game.

Skills on offense: Alonso's passing ability has improved year to year. He now gets forward more often and is earning assists on short and medium passes. He is often an outlet from pressure to switch the angle of attack. He is capable of hitting the long shot, but may take them a bit too frequently. But when he hits, it is magic.

via Likkit

Alonso is probably the second best PK taker on the team.

Skills on defense: There is not a better ball winner in MLS. His first for team Net Duel Rate is also first league wide. Has speed to recover from the moments when he gets forward. Alonso regularly stops counter attacks and when he doesn't it is because he forces the opponent to play the counter as far from him as possible. Great defender in set-piece situations. Is a bit prone to anger, but hovers on the proper side of the Yellow/Foul line.

He is not just a great tackler and winner of duels. Alonso is a one of the better interceptors of passes. He is the rare MLS player that opposing offenses must plan to avoid. They still don't.

Best Case 2013: A refined shot could result in more goals and a Shalrie-esque 8 & 8 season as a fringe MVP candidate.