As a defensive midfielder there are not flashy statistics for Jordan Schweitzer. The highlights may tell less about his game than any other position. But whether on select teams, the Sounders Academy or with the Sounders U23s Jordan Schweitzer played under Darren Sawatzky's tutelage. Sounder at Heart asked Sawatzky a few questions about 425's first HGP (and second MLS era Sounder).
SaH: You coached Jordan with the Academy and the U23s. What impresses you most
about him as a player?
Sawatzky: I have known Jordan since I coached him in the state EPD program before there was an Academy with the Sounders. Jordan is the hardest working player in his age group from Washington, but the most important piece to his game is that he adds incrementally. It took him a long time to get to this level and he did it by growing as a player in small steps. Hopefully he continues to do so. He is one of the most coachable players I have worked with and he is a team player. He does what is needed in the game and that can change with the opponent.
SaH: How does he contribute when his side is without the ball?
Sawatzky: Jordan makes up a lot of ground and he communicates well to his team mates so group defending is a strength when he is in your midfield.
SaH:: He's not been a goalscorer or gather many assists; what are his contributions in attack?
Sawatzky: Jordan always seems to be on the winning team. If you track small sided games in training over the course of the season, you will find Jordan's name in the groups that continually win all sorts of competitions. Sometimes his presence helps the players that do score goals and have assists.
SaH: Is there an area where you think he needs to improve to get MLS playing time?
Sawatzky: All areas. He could get cleaner with his touches but his decision making is getting better each year. I will take a player that makes good decisions under pressure that needs to work on his touch over a player with great touch and zero soccer accumen. Understanding how to play and giving what the game needs is a strength of Jordan's that he has gained through hard work at Denver and coming home to train with us here.
SaH: What player(s) in the league do you think he's most like?
Sawatzky: Jordan has the Kyle Beckerman work rate. If he continues to clean up his game, he will be an effective midfield player in MLS.
Whether Jordan gets his playing time with S2 or the first team he seems like the type of player who will continue to grow, even coming off his senior year in college.