The Houston Dynamo acquired Cristian Maidana and Andrew Wenger in a trade with the Philadelphia Union on Monday, the first day of the trade window. HoustonDynamo.com spoke with several Dynamo veterans for their scouting report on the newcomers and what they will bring to Houston.
Dynamo forward Will Bruin on Cristian Maidana
“Maidana adds real playmaking ability. He sees plays develop before they happen, so having someone like him in a Number 10 role is going to be huge, especially for a striker like me, you like to have playmakers on your team. He is smooth on the ball, he has good technique and control of the ball and never seems to panic on the ball, and that’s a very good quality to have. If we have someone like Cristian receiving the ball on counterattacks, it would allow Giles (Barnes) to get higher up the field with me, and give us more chances to score.
Bruin on Wenger
“I was at the Under-23 camp with him in 2012, and he was actually playing centerback then. He is a very good athlete – powerful, he has pace and he can dribble. Watching Philly play, when he gets the ball wide, he likes to cut in and shoot. I think it’s really important for wide guys to drive at defenders and look to cross or shoot, and I think he does that very well.
Bruin on the trade and the direction of the club this offseason
“I think this trade sends a statement – the first day the trade window was open, we get two great pieces, and that’s what I love to see. That’s why I re-signed, because I know they are not going to take their time and get a piece here and there. We want to win now, and I think bringing guys in immediately that can step in with experience is huge. It is going to bring more quality to training every day, which will increase performance on the weekend."
Dynamo defender Sheanon Williams – and former Union teammate – on Maidana
“He had 15 assists last year – something that is not easily done and tells you he reads the game and sees things that others don’t. I think he will be a big addition, especially helping us attack, and I think he can bring something we might need moving into next season. He is good with both feet and he doesn’t need a lot of space to operate. He is not the biggest or fastest guy, but he will beat you with his smarts and how he thinks. He is a player that knows how to beat you without blazing speed.”
“I think the guys we have are willing runners, and make good runs, so if you add someone that can feed them the ball in front of goal, I’ll take that. I think it will be a good partnership with him and the other guys we already have. He knows where the pockets of space are, and playing with him, I enjoyed when he came out wide and we could overload one side, and I think he is really good at creating positive-number situations.”
Williams on Wenger
“A former number one pick, he has all the talent to be successful in this league. I think a new situation for him will bring a new Andrew. He has shown in flashes what he can do in this league and why he was chosen number one. I think with the coaching staff and our players that he can be a big time player in this league. He may not look like the most athletic person, but once he gets going and can run at defenders, he can wrong-foot them. He can use both feet and is good around the box and knows how to finish.”
Williams on Wenger playing one position, as a wide midfielder
“He has been asked to play a lot of different position: Forward, midfield and defense, and if you look around the league, that doesn’t bode well for a lot of players. I’m sure coach Owen was direct and to the point on where he wants Andrew to play and where he sees him fitting in with this team and that will be good for Andrew."
Dynamo midfielder/forward Giles Barnes on Maidana
“He is a very technical player and he has a nice left foot. He has good delivery and will be a good one to keep ball distribution and keeps the ball ticking, so for me, it is a good acquisition, and obviously we have competition for starting places.”
Barnes on the trade and how it will help the club
"It is exciting that the club is making these kind of moves to get players that will get people off their seats. We want to score goals, being attacking players, so adding players to that bracket who want to hold the ball and take control of the game and do the unexpected is better for everyone.”
Barnes on Wenger
“I like him. I have seen a few of his bits coming out of college and he is a big powerful boy, he must be six-foot-two or six-foot-three. He is athletic, and obviously he can play a lot of positions. To have a player with his versatility, and that size and athleticism, is always a good thing.”
Dynamo goalkeeper Tyler Deric on the trade
“I think they’re great signings. They will add real quality and depth to our team. Each brings something different – Andrew is powerful and strong and gets at people. Maidana has a creative mind that can pick out a pass and be an artist in midfield. We are putting together a team that is going to be very good.”
