In soccer, the strikers, playmakers and goalkeepers typically garner most of the headlines and adoration. But winning teams are constructed much like a house. Where the Columbus Crew SC’s bricks are Gyasi Zardes, Zack Steffen and Federico Higuain, veteran Hector Jimenez is undoubtedly the mortar that keeps the squad intact. Hector’s ability to be impactful as a left back, right back or at either wing position is the type of versatility needed for successful teams to handle the ups and downs of a long season.
Versatile players who are serviceable anywhere on the field and consistently make an impact throughout the game are a soccer coach’s dream.