The Ecuadorian National is with his teammates Diego Palácios and Seba Mendez in preparation for the match against Iraq on November 12. Together, they will represent MLS and LAFC in Ecuador’s bid to surprise those watching Group A during the 2022 World Cup.
Jose Cifuentes may be on his way out as one of the first players to leave MLS after the World Cup. The midfielder had an incredible year for LAFC netting 33 matches and 26 starts for the Black and Gold during the historic 2022 run with the Club that netted LAFC the Double, including the photo finish in the MLS Cup finals against the Philadelphia Union.
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TUDN reporter Michele Giannone has said that based on conversations he’s had inside the club, he believes Jose Cifuentes has played his last game for LAFC during the MLS Cup. He also added he wouldn’t be surprised if LAFC goes after midfielder Eryk Williamson, currently with the Timbers, who is returning from an ACL tear. Williamson is said to be their primary target to replace the Ecuadorian midfielder.
Based on some conversations, I believe Jose Cifuentes played his last #LAFC game @ #MLSCup. Having said that, wouldn’t be surprised if they go after Eryk Williamson as their main target to replace the Ecuadorian.
— Michele Giannone (@MicheleG3) November 7, 2022
Premier League or La Liga?
Sources indicate two teams have submitted offers for Cifuentes, but neither has been confirmed. In the UK, Brighton has reignited their interest in the LAFC midfielder. The idea is to reunite the LAFC midfielder with Moises Caicedo, an absolute starter for the team and country, who could facilitate Cifu’s initial time at the English club while continuing what the two will hopefully build in Qatar. Meanwhile, there are concerns among some that Cifu’s passing abilities may be below what coaches expect in the tight system played under now Chelsea’s manager Graham Potter’s system, which could keep the player out of the EPL. Still, specific blogs close to the club have indicated The Ecuadorean has already said goodbye to his teammates in Los Angeles and will now choose between joining Brighton or the Spanish side Real Valladolid in January after the World Cup in Qatar.
Cifu left a lengthy message on this Instagram page that indicated his days as an LAFC player could be over. “LAFC will always have a place in my heart. I would not change anything about this hard process,” said Cifu in his post before thanking the entire organization for the incredible year. Cifu is now tasked to help Ecuador get out of a tough group that features the home team Qatar, European powerhouse Netherlands, and competent Senegal, the top-ranked African nation in Qatar’s World Cup.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkqszlpJZX3/
Of the 31 players who suited up for LAFC this year, Cifu is the 5th most played LAFC athlete behind goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau, fellow countryman Diego Palacios and midfielders Ilie Sanchez and Kellyn Acosta. Together, the 3 mids seemed to give Steve Cherundolo’s team what was needed to carry the team through the Supporters Shield run and MLS Cup playoffs. The player showed he can be a dangerous 2 way asset for the Black and Gold, especially deep in the playoffs, where he composed the defensive midfield as a double 8. Cifuentes was, for the most part, the most consistent passer for assists this year for LAFC, after Carlos Vela. Once Cherundolo asked Cifu to compose the defense more often late in the season, his presence in the attacking third diminished as the team pushed into the playoffs.
This move was probably the most effective tweak by the LAFC coaches as they searched for answers following a few rocky weeks in September. The team lost consecutive games before finding form again just before the playoffs began.
For Ecuador, in 2022, Jose Cifuentes has appeared in 3 games, the latest, a start vs. Japan in a 0-0 time in a friendly in preparation for the World Cup earlier this season.
Capa: Reprodução: Jose Cifuentes – Instagram
