Despite an 11-hour flight on Friday from the Netherlands to Seattle, Kelvin Leerdam was ready to train on Saturday. The Sounders’ newest signing was admittedly a big jetlagged and had not played competitively since the end of April, but he was eager about his first practice with his new club.
The 27-year-old Dutch fullback will be eligible for MLS play once the summer transfer window opens on July 10, and he’s excited to step in and make an swift impact.
“I have a lot of experience, and I hope I can help the younger players here especially,” Leerdam said. “I have to win [my teammates’] confidence, it’s a new locker room. First, I’m going to keep a little distance, but I have to show my game. They are the champions, so I have to try and fit in as quickly as possible and give it my all.”
Leerdam helps fill an immediate need on the back line where depth has been an issue all season. Multiple injuries and international call-ups have left head coach Brian Schmetzer with a dearth of options at right back and has forced him into defense by committee.
“A lot of results came from that lack of cohesiveness on the back line,” Schmetzer said. “I think [Brad Evans’ injuries] had something to do with [the signing]. Obviously we’re looking to get depth at different positions, that’s one of the things that was lacking. [We needed] something to spark the group in total.”
- FAST FACTS: Get to know new Sounders defender Kelvin Leerdam
Leerdam is an excellent fit in Seattle, which utilizes its outside fullbacks in attack as much as any team in MLS. Playing opposite a similar player in Joevin Jones, Leerdam should be able to help balance what has been a very left-side heavy Sounders offense and provide another attacking weapon.
Playing for Eredivisie clubs Feyenoord and Vitesse, Leerdam has played in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League against some of the world’s best players. His technical ability on the ball is superb and gives the Sounders a new level of versatility it hasn’t had for the first half of the year.
“We’re happy to have a guy who’s still young but has experience behind him,” said Vice President of Soccer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “I think he’s going to add to our attack and I also think he’s going to help solidify defensively as well.
“Any time we can add to the attack and we can create chances for the team in attack, crossing and breaking players down and the ability to get through players to get out of things on your own individually, is always going to help the team.”
