Mission Accomplished: Union sign Edu

After two weeks of trades, allocation drafts, negotiations and a trip to England the Union finally sign Maurice Edu. US international Maurice Edu, joins the Union on a season long loan from the EPL side Stoke City. The Edu signing is the Union’s highest profile signing since Freddy Adu two years ago. This is the Union’s second designated player signing this off season. This day comes as a great relief for Union front office who had a large amount pressure on them to land a big signing this season. The 27 year old midfielder will be looking to live up to the build of a DP signing.

You may ask yourself Who is Edu and why you should care? Mo is a box to box midfielder who can control the tempo of the midfield along with distribute the ball. He is best at the center defensive position where he can win the ball and set the tempo. He also likes to drift up into attack and create chances. Mo is one of the most versatile players the US has to offer. He excelled at playing centerback and left back for the US national team. He has the physical abilities to play just about any position. The Union have landed a player with world cup and European experience.

Maurice started his career in MLS, when he was drafted first overall in 2007 by Toronto. He played a season an a half in Toronto and become one of the leagues best midfielders. He started getting calls up to the national team and became a regular in the US a crowded midfield. Mo transferred to Rangers FC in Scotland, one of the most historic teams in sport. He became a regular starter, and helped Rangers to 3 league titles and 2 cup titles. After Rangers fell into finicial problems Mo was forced to transfer out of the club. In 2012 he joined Stoke City of the English Premier League. He went to England with giant aspirations of growing his game and continue his growth up the national team ladder.

Unfortunately Mo could not consistently get minutes for Stoke. He only made 1 single appearance in a 2 year stint at Stoke. During his time at Stoke Mo battled a few injuries and a competitive midfield that he just could not crack the starting 11. Mo was loaned out to Turkish side Bursaspor for half a season. His time in Turkey was well spent. Mo appeared in 11 games and was one of the top midfielders in the Turkish league.

Here is something to think about tho.. Mo has 45 caps for the US national team but is on the outside looking in on the US roster. Edu the 4rth or 5th on the national team depth chart for his natural position at CDM. If he can prove to be one of the top players in MLS he can find himself right back in the mix and on the world cup squad. The national team and the Union are both short handed at left back. Maurice Edu has proven he can play and excel at defensive positions and if he were to get regular minutes at LB he would be able to crack the national team easier. Edu would be underutilized at LB, but it is something to think about.