CARSON, Calif. – There are a number of MLS players for whom the word “versatile” certainly applies, but perhaps none more so than Chivas USA’s Dario Delgado.
The Costa Rican has spent most of the 2010 season at his natural position of center back, but has also seen time at striker (against Pachuca in SuperLiga) and even at goalkeeper (on May 29 after a red card was given to Zach Thornton). Far from being intimidated by playing out of position, the 24-year-old enjoys the challenge.
“I’m very observant as a player,” Delgado told MLSsoccer.com. “I watch how my teammates play their positions and then do my best to copy them. It comes pretty easily to me to mimic other players in different spots on the field.”
More recently, Deglado has become a serious offensive threat in the Chivas USA attack. His aerial prowess has seen him test several goalkeepers in the past weeks, most notably Dallas’ Kevin Hartman two weekends ago.
WATCH: Hartman saves Delgado's header
“I am able to push forward for corner kicks and direct kicks and those are great chances for me to score goals,” he said. “I’ve told [Chivas USA head coach] Martín [Vásquez] that whatever position I’m put in, I’ll play it to the best of my ability.
"The minutes I’ve gotten up front or in the midfield, they aren’t my normal positions, but I’ve tried my best to do them well. If the team is fighting and there’s an option for me to move forward, I’m happy to. If the option is there, I like to join the attack.”
Delgado will likely continue to be the one of the Goats’ first-choice central defenders for the remainder of the season, but his skill in the attack could come in handy for Chivas USA down the stretch. And if there’s anybody who’s excited to try and score goals, it’s Delgado.
“Who doesn’t like trying to score goals?” he said with a smile on his face. “I haven’t scored one at Chivas yet – I’ve been close – so I’ll have to keep working hard. But I scored seven goals in two years in Costa Rica, which is a lot for a defender. I’ll keep working at it.”
