Gazdag Moved From Philly to Ohio: What Has He Offered The Crew? | OneFootball

One of the biggest and most notable transfers of the MLS off-season was announced in mid-April, as it was announced than Daniel Gazdag would be playing his soccer with the Columbus Crew.

It was a move that caught many fans of the competition off-guard, with many believing that he was set to play an important role for the Philadelphia Union in 2025, as the Philly franchise attempted to break into the playoff spots.

Proven MLS Experience

Players typically need a bedding-in period after moving to the MLS, with the unique schedule list often leading to certain demands on players. Therefore, the fact that Gazdag already has experience in the competition is a big plus for the Crew. The Hungarian midfielder has been playing in the North American competition since signing for the Union in May 2021.

After signing a two-year deal with the franchise, he would make his debut just a few days later against D.C. United. A sign of his early struggles in the MLS were reflected after he scored just four goals in his debut campaign. However, since then, his performances have improved drastically.

He ended the 2022 season as the Union’s top scorer, and he would end the campaign on a high with an excellent hat-trick against the Colorado Rapids. His tally of 16 goals was the second highest in the MLS.

But, after a quarterfinal exit in the playoffs in 2023, it always appeared likely that Gazdag would likely to move teams if he was to compete at the latter stages of the season.

International-Quality Signing

It could be argued that Gazdag’s signing for the Crew is a massive sign of intent, as they have picked up an international-quality player for a fraction of his market value. The midfielder made his international debut back in September 2019, and he would score his first goal for the national side against Andorra in 2021.

Gazdag has been an integral part of the Hungarian squad that has defied expectations, and he was included as part of their EURO 2020 travelling party. One of his best performances for the national team came in the Nations League in June 2022, as he scored in a 4-0 win against England.

However, his international appearances have been limited in recent years, including making just a three-minute cameo against Germany at last summer’s EUROs.

What Will He Bring to the Crew?

As his stats would suggest, Gazdag will bring a goal scoring ability to the Crew this season. The midfielder’s ability to make runs from deep ensures that he is able to confuse defending teams. Across all competitions this season, he has scored twice and registering two further assists.

He is narrowly underperforming in terms of his xG of 2.28, but his clear eye for goal is a major bonus for the Crew in the MLS. The Hungarian also averages a high number of shots from range, averaging 0.39 on target per 90.

His shot conversion rate of 14.29% is a respectful accumulation at this stage of the season. His ability to play high-quality balls into strikers also deserves huge respect in the MLS. He has already accumulated two assists this season, from an xA of 2.88. Overall, he makes an average of 46.33 passes per 90, and he has a pass completion rate of 86.13%.

Gazdag also has a natural ability to run with the ball, making 1.41 dribbles per 90. His combative style of play will also ensure that the Crew will be more dynamic in the middle of the park. The Hungarian averages 1.33 tackles per 90, and he wins an average of 3.84 ground duels per fixture in the MLS.

Can Gazdag Make The Difference for the Crew?

It has been a mixed start to the 2025 season for the Crew, but they still comfortably sit in a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Columbus have won seven of their opening 17 matches, and Gazdag will likely have an important role to play in helping the team improve their accumulation of goals.

The franchise have only scored 27 times so far this season, meaning only two teams in the top ten of the Eastern standings have scored fewer. However, the Crew have typically been a team that have improved as the season progresses.

They have won the MLS Cup in two of the last five seasons, and the Hungarian’s arrival will likely be pivotal for the franchise if they are to improve on their elimination at the round of 16 last term at the very least.