CCL Spotlight: Alex Roldan's two-way role at right back crucial throughout Champions League run

Two and a half years ago, Alex Roldan joined the Seattle Sounders for preseason camp as a trialist.

Now, Roldan has not only solidified his place as a bona fide MLS starter, reincarnating himself as an attacking right fullback, he has captained El Salvador in FIFA World Cup Qualifying and is an integral part of a Sounders team on the doorstep of history in the Concacaf Champions League Final.

“It’s really a remarkable transformation and that’s totally a credit to the kid,” said Sounders General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “He took a little while to get his feet underneath him and adjust to the pro game, but he’s really done that with flying colors now. Deciding to play internationally for El Salvador and then rising to become its captain was also a significant part of his growth.

“He deserves a lot of credit as an individual,” Lagerwey continued. “He took his responsibility for his own career and pushed forward and was determined to succeed, and he’s reaping the rewards of that.”

The biggest issue plaguing MLS teams against Liga MX competition in CCL always been the talent discrepancy in the middle to back half of the roster. MLS’ biggest players at times were better than the best on a Mexican team, but there was a dearth of talent behind them, a gap that every time was too pronounced.

This current iteration of the Sounders is the prototype of where MLS clubs are heading. Yes, the stars are there — you need a Raúl Ruidíaz and Nicolás Lodeiro to win trophies — but equally important is having more than capable competitors across the board at every position. Roldan is a prime example of that. Few teams around MLS can boast an international starter at fullback.

“Anybody who gets opportunities in those big international competitions is going to evolve as a player,” said Lagerwey. “Alex has done a really good job for us, and he’s done a really good job for El Salvador. He’s going to continue to grow.”

The Sounders are going to need a big two-legged performance from Roldan against Pumas UNAM starting Wednesday in Mexico City (7:30 p.m. PT; FS1, TUDN, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) before coming home to Lumen Field for Leg Two on May 4 (7 p.m. PT; FS1, TUDN, 93.3 KJR FM, El Rey 1360 AM | TICKETS).

It’s players like Roldan, ones with something to prove, who can make all the difference with a title on the line.

“He’s still got a chip on his shoulder, which I like,” said Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “Alex just has to keep his foot on the gas. He cannot afford to slow down because he can continue to improve.”