Ryan Kemp's Impact on the Seattle Sounders

The Seattle Sounders have been struggling with team cohesiveness. They are waiting for players to return from injury and to return to form. Additionally, once the paperwork goes through with the addition of Ryan Kent to their starting 11, this could go one of two ways.

The Sounders already have a solid defensive team, even though in the last game they gave up a goal on a short corner and a couple of goals on counterattacks (mostly because of sloppy passing in the defensive end). When set during the run of play, their defense is solid as can be. What they are lacking is pace in their possession based attack. Too many of the Sounders players dribble without taking productive touches. They take too many touches and by the time they pass it, the passing lanes are closing down. Ryan Kent is also a dribbler, however he has the ability and skill to make quick connecting one touch passes that lead to scoring opportunities. He the legitimate and dependable goal scorer and has had success in Europe with the Rangers. So, what does that mean for the Sounders?

Ryan Kemp plays on the left side, so that would push Jordan Morris back to the middle of the field, so he would be a legitimate threat at the #9 or they could use two up front having Morris and Kent play off each other. Ryan Kent is also quick, so it opens up passing over the top, much like that's an option for Morris. That will give an additional outlet for players looking to advance the ball up the field. His creativeness will allow players to make harder runs. Which will lead to more creative connections. And ideally, more goals.

According to Craig Waibel. He is a potential difference maker of high quality. Even though he hasn't played since July, he is fit, it may take him time to adjust to be playing on the pitch, but he is in good shape. Waibel goes on to describe him as a dynamic attacking player that will go at defenders. He's a bit more attack oriented than what the Sounders currently offer, which is a good thing considering they've struggled to produce goals. Brian Schmetzer claimed “he's a steal” and Kent that had a previous connection with Albert Rusnak, so the Sounders have that going for them.

When talking about the Sounders, Ryan King's first impression was that there were no real egos on the team and defensively they're really solid. He also claimed that he brings a level of excitement that “lifts bums off seats.” He is accustomed to a European style of play, so there will be a period of adjustment to the American game. But traditionally that hasn't been an issue for Premier League players. Whether or not they'll be able to sign him to a long term contract after this season is a different matter, but for now? He's a big addition to a team that's getting back to full strength.

He may or may not be playing in Saturday's match in Seattle against Nashville. That could be his debut. The Sounders only have two away goals so far this season. The Rave Green and their fans are eagerly anticipating his contributions to the team.

On the flip side of that, he is the dribbler. Ferreira is also a dribbler. And for some wild notion, a lot of the defensive line also fancies themselves as dribblers because they take a long time to move the ball around the back. That's what's bogging down their offense. So adding another dribbler could be a problem. Kent can also be a bit hot headed at times, which seems to be a common issue for strikers. Sounders fans can remember that Clint Dempsey had his outbursts as well, but their talent and potential outweigh some short term disciplinary issues. Considering what he's willing to play for and that he's excited to play in Seattle, this could be a good fit, and a turning point for the Sounders to get back on track and raise their level of play back to their own dynasty standard (or at the least to get their season back on track).