The Columbus Crew has been a defensive club that tactically beats its opponents thanks to Manager Wilfried Nancy. The Crew has been successful this season, even considering their lack of offense, which has plagued them.
They needed a transfer that would bolster their offensive attack to make them a true contender for the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield.
They had their eyes on one striker for months, despite not being able to get a deal done before the Club World Cup, they were able to secure Wessam Abou Ali.
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What Wessam Abou Ali Brings to the Crew
Ali’s addition brings in a rare combo of effort and skill that can elevate a team’s offensive attack on a moment’s notice. His numbers portray a number nine who scores at a high level, no matter what team he plays for.
In 60 matches, Ali has 38 goals and 10 assists, including a golden boot and team hardware during his time at Al Ahly.
Columbus only obtains a goal difference of five; they are the only team within the top six seeds to possess a difference that low. Cincinnati, which is the one seed as it stands, has a difference of eight while everyone else is in the mid-teens.
The truth is that for Columbus is that this move was needed in June when their quality in play was falling. The Crew is now back on track, and their loss to Orlando is a small setback. With the addition of Ali, their scoring issues could be gone.
Ali had a moment on the world stage in the Club World Cup, he earned a hat-trick against once-upon-a-time European champions Porto. This was the most impressive performance of the group stage as he introduced himself to the world as an impressive striker.
Does This Make the Crew Favorites in the East?
The Crew is not quite the top team in the East just yet. Nashville and Philadelphia still appear to be ahead of the Crew performance and record-wise.
The Crew failed to keep up in high-scoring games against the top teams in the league. Ali being added makes the Crew a better team, especially on the offensive end, where they have lacked this year so far.
Columbus has shown they can beat teams like Cincinnati when they came back after being down two to nothing early in that game.
The Ali addition will only work for the Crew if they can find a way to service him and find ways to utilize him in ways they couldn’t with other strikers this season.
Many expected the Crew to fall back in the standings this season after losing their former star Cucho Hernandez. Hernandez’s departure to Real Betis was devastating for Columbus, but he understood it was the best move for his career.
Ali doesn’t have to fill the shoes of Hernandez, but is expected to play a big role in the team’s success going forward.
The Crew are still in the race for the Supporters’ Shield and still can take a top seed home in the Eastern Conference. If Ali can adjust to the MLS style of play, there is no reason to think that his impact will give Columbus a boost in the goal column.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date 23.06.2025