Darwin Quintero: Minute stature, behemoth game
Photo credit: Los Ruidos Del Deporte
What makes soccer the most followed sport on earth, besides the excitement and passion it generates, is that fútbol doesn’t discriminate in a physical aspect. You don’t need to be the strongest nor tallest player to make a difference in the game; it is all about how you treat the ball.
MLS is a league based on the physicality of the game because the United States is full of authentic athletes that can compete at a high level. However, the magic of the game can be brought by anyone, and Colombian Carlos Darwin Quintero still has magic in his boots ready for Minnesota.
Quintero, 30, signed with the Loons after spending nine years in the Liga MX and is at the point in his career where he can still shine bright once again on a new squad. Quintero is a short player at 5-4, but possesses speed and a very gentle touch with both feet. He is fast in open space and successful in one-v-one situations.
Quintero’s size and style of play can be compared to Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco. Both are attacking players that perform behind a striker, although Quintero can also play as a right or left winger, or center forward. But his numbers show that he functions better as a partner of a nominal center striker given his assist numbers.
In nine years in the Liga MX, Quintero played 423 games with Santos Laguna and Club America, scored 119 goals and assisted 105 times. He achieved a Liga MX championship and a Copa MX title with Santos Laguna, two CONCACAF Champions League titles with Club America and was the top scorer in the 2012-13 CCL.
Quintero recently didn’t have a place in the squad with Club America. Not because he lacked talent — more so due to the club being in a renovation phase. He earned one of the most substantial salaries in the league, but was not getting the minutes he probably deserved.
This new opportunity in Minnesota means a second chance that Quintero can’t despise as a player. It is his last call to get a big contract and prove he’s worth those big dollars.
Follow Luis on Twitter: @LFulloa.
Support Soc Takes on Patreon for access to exclusive content and supporter benefits. Click here to become a patron today.
