photo by Matt Kremkau |
by Daniel Feuerstein
Big news has come across the news wire as Venezuelan International Midfielder Cristian Casseres Jr. is transferring to French Ligue 1 side Toulouse right away to start this new 2023/24 season. It was reported by Tom Bogert of The Athletic on this news for the young Venezuelan.
For Casseres, he spent six seasons with the club as he started 110 times in 116 MLS Games, scoring 14 goals and 19 assists. Last season he compiled over 2,200 minutes and six assists. This season he scored in the four-goal clean sheet victory at Red Bull Arena against Atlanta United. Trailing the play, and taking a nice ball from Tom Barlow and slotted home a strong shot inside the near post.
“We want to thank Cristian [Casseres, Jr.] for his commitment to the club for the last six seasons, said Head Sport Jochen Schneider. “Cristian always represented the club in a great manner, both on and off the field and we wish him and his family the best in the next step of his career.”
When the Red Bulls gave him permission to play for the Venezuelan National Team, he earned 19 caps and made his debut during the 2022 World Cup Qualifying on October 10, 2020. He has played in 993 minutes and made ten starts for his country. He was named Venezuelan Player of the Year in 2022.
When Casserers Jr. came to the Red Bulls he was considered more of a defensive midfielder, but within the last several seasons, he was given chances to play more of an attacking role, and he was also a strong free-kick taker. I'll never forget the Free-kick goal against the New England Revolution in the US Open Cup when he beat Matt Turner or the one in league play against Pedro Gallesse in a home win against Orlando City.
Once his game improved over the years, you knew very well he was going to get a big offer or a big transfer move to a club in Europe. This time it was France that would have him come over, and we all know that Toulouse is getting a solid midfielder who can not only defend well but can give a strong offensive performance at the same time.
“It’s been incredible to watch Cristian’s [Casseres, Jr.] rise over the last six years from New York Red Bulls II to the first team, and to see him live out his dream of playing for the Venezuelan National team,” said Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. “Cristian [Casseres, Jr.] has been a role model for many of our players, especially in the way he has become a leader for this club and we are excited for him to have this opportunity.”
It's going to be interesting to see who will take Casserer's minutes now that he's no longer on the club, but once again this is not a bad thing, this was bound to happen as his current contract was up towards this coming winter. I don't think he was going to sign a new deal, but let's remember what he did for the club, a hard-working player who gave it his all.
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