Perhaps the most intriguing prospect to wear a Sounders jersey this preseason has been Colombian prodigy Fredy Montero. The 21-year-old striker has been a revelation in exhibition games thus far, scoring two goals in their recent victory against Estudiantes de La Plata in Argentina.Montero could provide a level of talent rarely seen in MLS outside of designated players such as Guillermo Barros Scheletto and Cuahtemoc Blanco. Most sought-after talents in Central and South America sign with top European clubs when they leave their homeland, especially when youth is on their side.
However, Montero broke the standard when he chose to come to Seattle in spite of reported interest from a big club in the Spanish La Liga.
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Real Betis, a mainstay in the top soccer division in Spain were very keen to sign Montero from Colombia but MLS stepped in and scored a major coup in grabbing the youngster from one of Europe’s top leagues.
Known as ‘El Matador’ and ‘El Todoterreno’ due to his scoring prowess, Montero could be just what the Sounders need. Last season with Deportivo Cali in Colombia, Montero led the league with 20 goals in 38 games. A former golden boot winner for Atletico Huila in the Colombian Copa Mustang, the 5-9 striker has unbelievable upside as an attacking player.
Montero fits the mold of other imports from Central America like fellow Colombian Juan Pablo Angel who played in the English Premier League for years before joining MLS. Already capped 3 times with the Colombian national team with more call-ups on the way, Montero could end up being another draw for Sounders season ticket holders. Smooth and confident on the ball with a deadly eye for goal, Montero could be Seattle’s top goal-scoring threat as a rookie.
One confusing factor to keep an eye on while watching Montero’s exciting play is his contractual status with the Sounders. It has been reported that MLS bought 60 percent of his rights from Deportivo Cali, but it is unclear who owns the other 40 percent. Montero has stated that his dream is to play in Europe so his stay in MLS could be a short one.
For Sounders fans, the hope is that Montero decides that a few years of MLS competition can help him in his quest to sign with a top club in Europe. Players like Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey have used MLS as a venue to further their playing careers abroad and there is no reason to doubt Montero's ability to do the same.
Montero is the kind of talent that should excite every fan of MLS, not just the Sounders faithful. His raw ability may be unmatched by anyone else on the Sounders roster. Here’s hoping he decides Seattle is the place for him and stays a few years. If his preseason ability translates into regular season goals, fans will be chanting his name in no time.
Reach Alden Walcon at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
