Minnesota United Sign Defender Vadim Demidov

On Tuesday, Minnesota United added some crucial experience to the squad in the form of center back Vadim Demidov.

The 30 year-old has lead a well-traveled career so far, having played in Norway, Germany, Spain, and now America. He has been at both ends of the league tables, having won back-to-back titles in Norway with Rosenborg but also having survived a relegation scrap with Real Sociedad.

At his previous club, SK Brann in Norway, Demidov saw his club relegate then promote in consecutive seasons. The club then shocked the league by finishing 2nd in their return to the top flight.

Manager Adrian Heath seems very happy with the signing, stating in the club’s press release that in Demidov, United have found “a very talented player and a leader on the pitch.”

Heath’s comments, along with Demidov’s pedigree, seem to suggest that the club see him as a starter and as a senior presence. At 30 years old, Demidov is now the oldest player on the roster, and has the widest breadth of experience.

Demidov uses up United’s fourth International Roster Slot of their given eight. Johan Venegas, Mohammed Saeid, and Francisco Calvo occupy the other three. Should United complete the rumored signing of Finnish midfielder Rasmus Schuller, then five of the club’s international slots would be taken. International roster slots are a commodity tradable with other teams.

A potential pairing of Calvo and Demidov gives United two international quality players in the heart of defense. With NASL vets Kevin Venegas and Justin Davis manning the flanks and Joe Greenspan providing depth, the Loons’ defense is taking shape.

What other defenders would you like to see on the team? Think the club should start focusing on other positions (like maybe a goalie)? Let us know in the comments below!