Top players in competitive sports are key for a team’s structure and system to work correctly and there are four players that decide if a soccer team can function. The goalkeeper, center back, center midfielder and forward build the spine of every soccer team.

The Columbus Crew, the defending MLS Cup champions, are not any different. And by analyzing the tactical positioning of the team in the first three matches, it is possible to break down the Black & Gold’s key players and understand why they are so important for head coach Wilfried Nancy’s system.

Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte

The goalkeeper is always an important player. Not only is a big physical presence needed to cover the space between the posts, but keepers also have a better perspective of the game development from the goal. It should not be surprising to see the goalkeeper consulting his coach about any possible changes during the match.

Patrick Schulte, at the early age of 22, is one of the team’s defensive leaders. With only one goal conceded through three matches in all competition this season, Schulte responds when the team needs him with decisive saves and keeps his defense organized.

Defender Rudy Camacho

The center back is another key player for any team. Good teams are built starting from a solid defense, and the experienced 33-year-old Frenchman meets the requirements. Having come over in a trade from CF Montreal, Nancy’s former club, Camacho dictates from the back, making the call to step forward and move the defensive line up the pitch. To do so, Camacho is fast, smart and has a deep tactical understanding of the game.

Midfielder Aidan Morris

The center midfielder is a crucial player, overseeing quick transitions from defense to offense. For the Crew, that is becoming Aidan Morris. The young 22 year old plays beyond his year. Despite his youth, Morris is one of the brightest players in the squad and, to go along with his tackles and workrate, has become an accurate passer, finding open teammates. His fast decision-making allows the Black & Gold to create better chances on goal and Morris functions as a connector on the field between defense and offense. His long-pass accuracy and one-touch passes are his best qualities for the team.

Forward Cucho Hernandez

It is not news that soccer is decided by scoring more goals than the opponent. Even a perfect system doesn’t work without a player to finish chances. Cucho Hernandez, who already scored in two of Columbus’ first three games, is a brilliant striker and a great playmaker. Far from just scoring goals and waiting inside the penalty box for crossed balls, Hernandez has great movements to stress the opponents. He looks for long and short balls, knows how to play 2 v. 1, can adapt at a moment’s notice as an offensive midfielder, can assist other players and leads the team in the high pressure to recover the ball. Hernandez is much more than just a good forward and plays a key role in the team’s offensive lineup.