Seattle's Ljungberg elevating his game
Designated player using pinpoint passing to boost Sounders FC
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As the Player of the Month for October, the Swede's pinpoint passing carried Seattle into the playoffs. Now, Ljungberg must be at his very best if Sounders FC hope to advance past the difficult Houston Dynamo.
Seattle coach Sigi Schmid sees an urgency in Ljungberg's game that bodes well for the team's playoff hopes.
"His experience is not always what he's able to do on the training field or off the field," Schmid said. "It's that 'I want the ball in the game' attitude.
"'Go ahead and give the ball to me and I'll take care of it. I'll make some plays for us. I'll help us create some things that we need to be created.' That's certainly something that Freddie helps us do."
Increasingly, Ljungberg's activity and vision have unlocked Seattle's offensive prowess. Given the freedom to roam from sideline to sideline with fewer defensive responsibilities, Ljungberg has finally started to put his stamp on matches on a regular basis.
Part of Ljungberg's freedom came from moving space-eater Nate Jaqua to right midfield and having Fredy Montero play further up the field, even with the opponent's back four. That leaves an ocean of space for Ljungberg to receive balls.
According to James Riley, the team is not only looking to pass the ball to Ljungberg earlier, but also moving into spaces to receive passes from Ljungberg earlier. The result has been four assists for the former Arsenal star in the past month.
"I think there is always a learning period of learning each other," Ljungberg said. "For me, I think that Europe goes a lot quicker and maybe there were certain situations earlier when they haven't looked up yet and I wanted the ball a little bit early.
"Sometimes maybe when I wanted to play the ball early on I hit it in there when they were not in position yet. But now it feels like we are more in tune and it works well."
Ljungberg has also increased the quality of his free kicks. For most of the season, Seattle did not look dangerous on set pieces but his consistency of service has changed that. In the first leg against Houston, Seattle created a handful of quality chances on Ljungberg-delivered free kicks.
Ljungberg's been recognized with a nomination for MLS Newcomer of the Year, along with teammates Kasey Keller and Fredy Montero.
"I think we should be proud of what the management has done and it's great," Ljungberg said.
Ljungberg has not decided if he will stay for the second year of his deal after the season. Asked after the final match of the regular season, Ljungberg was noncommittal about his future, saying "we will see what happens."
To this point, the Sounders FC organization has been pleased with his contributions.
"That was our expectation of him coming in and he has certainly fulfilled that," Schmid said. "I think he has enjoyed himself here and when you enjoy yourself ... you play a little better."
Andrew Winner is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
