Välkomnande Till Seattle Ljungberg!

Emerald City Supporters welcome Sounders FC Designated Freddie Ljungberg to Seattle!

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Excitement is in the crisp late October air in Seattle as Sounders FC have just announced that Freddie Ljungberg will be the franchise’s first designated player. Ljungberg, last of the east London Premiership side West Ham United, is a soccer legend in his native Sweden. He spent ten years in the English Premier League, nine with the north London side Arsenal and one with the Hammers. While Ljungberg was a Gunner he helped play a key role in the double-winning (EPL champion and FA Cup champion) and undefeated side that became known throughout England as “The Invincibles.” He has played in two World Cups and has been a part of the UEFA Champions League Final with Arsenal losing 2-1 to Barcelona.

Used primarily as an attacking midfielder or recessed forward during his early Arsenal career, Ljungberg made the transition to winger after a spell of injuries derailed his 2005-06 season. With the Sounders Freddie might expect to be lining up in the familiar position of his early Arsenal career. He certainly will have the cunning and ability to force even the best MLS defenders to have a rough day at the office. The question remains as to whether he will have the pace or ability to stay healthy. That being said, if Ljungberg can stay healthy he and Keller can be pivotal leaders that may make a team of relative youngsters very competitive.

Ultimately Ljungberg’s addition adds more attacking strength to a club that is showing its commitment to attacking-style soccer. With the roster consisting of Le Toux, Keller, Nyassi and now Ljungberg, Sounders FC look like they will come out of the gate attacking the rest of MLS. Emerald City Supporters look forward to singing his praises and celebrating plenty of goals scored in front of the Brougham End in the years to come.