Columbus Crew

Max Arfsten

A high-energy wide threat who brings direct running and fearless intent. He gives Columbus a constant outlet on the break and in settled attacks.
USA Columbus Crew FWD
Appearances
7
Goals
1

Season Snapshot

Minutes played
373
53.28 per match
Assists
0
Key passes
10
Pass accuracy
85%

Season Stats

Appearances
7
Minutes played
373
Goals
1
Assists
0
Key passes
10
Accuracy
85%

League Rankings

Among forwards

Assists
54th of 54
Key passes
20th of 141
Pass accuracy
66th of 144
Goals
34th of 56

Max Arfsten, The Wing Back Who Dribbles Out

An American left back who trusts his close control to escape pressure rather than clearing the danger the simple way.

Arfsten receives the ball under pressure from an opponent and looks to take him on rather than immediately releasing it, trusting his close control to escape a tackle in areas of the pitch where losing possession would normally be dangerous. That bravery on the ball helps Middlesbrough build attacks from deep. It offers a route out instead of constantly going long to avoid the risk of a mistake.

The tension is obvious, because a full back who dribbles this often eventually gets caught in possession somewhere he really should not be. Coaches have to weigh the attacking value he creates against the moments his confidence briefly leaves his team exposed at the back. Watch how his manager balances that risk whenever the opposition presses aggressively high up the pitch and cuts off his passing options.

The Rest Of The Squad

29 players

Goalkeepers

1
Radek Vítek
Bristol City · Age 22
8 apps
33
Jon McLaughlin
Age 39
0 apps
31
Sol Brynn
Age 25
0 apps

Defenders

2
Callum Brittain
Age 28
8 apps 1a
12
Luke Ayling
Age 35
8 apps 2a
30
Neto Borges
Bristol City · Age 30
8 apps
29
Adilson Malanda
Age 24
7 apps 1g
5
Alfie Jones
Canada · Age 29
5 apps 1g
4
Ashley Phillips
Stoke City · Age 21
5 apps 1g
24
Alex Bangura
Age 27
0 apps
25
George Edmundson
Age 29
0 apps
3
Sam Byram
Leeds United · Age 33
0 apps

Midfielders

8
Riley McGree
Age 27
8 apps 1a
6
Sebastian Berhalter
USA · Age 25
8 apps 2g 1a
10
Aidan Morris
Age 24
7 apps 1g
14
Myles Peart-Harris
Oxford United · Age 24
7 apps
11
Amario Cozier-Duberry
Bolton Wanderers · Age 21
3 apps 2g 1a
19
Leo Castledine
Age 21
3 apps
21
Rokas Pukstas
Age 22
1 app
18
Connor Barron
Age 24
0 apps
44
Cruz Ibeh
Age 17
0 apps
28
Law McCabe
Age 20
0 apps

Forwards

22
Kyle Joseph
Hull City · Age 25
8 apps
7
Will Lankshear
Oxford United · Age 21
8 apps 6g
9
Tommy Conway
Age 24
6 apps 2a
16
Jeremy Sarmiento
Brighton and Hove Albion · Age 24
5 apps 1g
13
David Strelec
Age 25
2 apps
49
Josh Dede
Age 20
0 apps
—
Micah Hamilton
Age 22
0 apps
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Max Arfsten: The Outlet

He gives the team instant momentum, because one carry can flip field position and turn defence into attack.

The best versions of Columbus look more dangerous when he’s aggressive, driving at the fullback and forcing the line to retreat. Even when he isn’t on the ball, his movement keeps the back four honest.

Updated after the match on . Next update after the fixture on .

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