At the beginning of the year the Seattle Sounders took advantage of the changing rules in China to nab Gustav Svensson. At the time it seemed like he was merely a depth signing. Now, just over a third of the season has passed and the Swede is a key player on the team, with a role that is still evolving.
Brian Schmetzer has used two formations. In his baseline 4-2-3-1 Schmetz has used Svensson as right back, centerback and defensive midfielder. In the more recent near-Christmas Tree, Svensson played as a holding midfielder.