Xavier Arreaga Talks About His Dribbling Abilities
Arreaga was a striker until his U-13 coach moved him to the backline.
Xavier Arreaga was a striker during his early playing career. Then his U-13 coach made a decision.
“I remember one game one of the defenders had an injury and my coach said, ‘Xavi you can play defender,’” Arreaga told The Blazing Musket. I said ‘Okay.’ After that, he said, ‘This is your position.’”
The 29-year-old has since developed into a reliable defender, collecting the MLS Cup in 2019 and the Concacaf Champions League title in 2022, both with the Seattle Sounders. He’s also earned 20 caps with Ecuador.
But there are still moments when Arreaga’s attacking abilities shine through. In any game, he can be seen making a line-splitting pass or dribbling by an opponent.
Of course, Arreaga knows that his primary responsibility is to prevent the other team from scoring.
“I try to help the team with my abilities,” Arreaga said. “Obviously, my first job is to try to defend, try to get the clean sheet. But as soon as I have the opportunity to go in front and try to help the team, I’m going to do that.”
Carles Gil had high praise for his new teammate, saying, “[Arreaga] has been amazing. The time he’s had here with us, the last two, three games, were amazing with attacking, with the ball, as a leader. It’s very important for us to have him and we’re happy.”
Gil is one of several players who benefit from Arreaga’s comfort on the ball since it allows him to be higher up the field.
“Obviously, it’s helping me,” Gil said. “For me, the best is try to be closer to the goal and sometimes go a little bit deep toward the ball. If I can stay up, I think that’s a good sign for us. If we can do it without my help, I think it’s better because I will be close to the goal and I think I’m more dangerous there.”
While Arreaga has fully transitioned into a defender, there are still times when he returns to his roots as a striker.
“Especially in training, I like in five-vs.-five to play more like a striker,” Arreaga said. “I get used to doing that and I have the opportunity in the games to do that. I practice that sometimes.”
