Traore has become Sounders’ iron man, mentor

  • By Don Ruiz The News Tribune
  • Tuesday, July 2, 2013 10:02pm
  • SportsSports

Seattle Sounders fans who have been impressed with central defender Djimi Traore should know that the feeling is mutual.

“Here is the best club in MLS,” Traore said. “You can’t compare the fans that we have here — the fanbase here is amazing. I’ve been playing (with) the big clubs of Europe. I was lucky, I played in Liverpool, one of the best in England. I’ve been lucky enough to play in France in Marseille, which is the best fans. And I can tell you, here it’s the same. It’s the same level for me. The way they come to the game, even when we play away from home — especially when we play away from home — they’re still there.”

The Sounders have been away since June 8. But they will be reunited with their home fans tonight when D.C. United visits CenturyLink Field.

Traore, 33, is expected to be in the lineup again — as he has been for every minute of this MLS season since the Sounders’ second match. He was signed late in preseason and immediately filled a need at central defender after the offseason trade of Jeff Parke and early season injury to Patrick Ianni.

“We all know what he brings to the table and what he’s bringing to the club this year,” forward Eddie Johnson said. “He brings a lot of experience. I know for the back four, it’s a pleasure for those guys working with him. He’s a guy who’s played for a big team, who’s won Champions League. You can see the experience week in and week out, day in and day out. It’s just a privilege to play with him.”

Traore was born in Paris, started playing soccer at age 6, and signed his first professional contract at 17. He was part of the Liverpool club that won the 2005 UEFA Champions League. He also has 10 caps for the Malian national team.

When his one-year contract with Marseille ended, he chose to take his game across the Atlantic to Major League Soccer.

“MLS is a very, very good league,” he said. “When you are from Europe you don’t see it large. You’re thinking it is an average league. But I can tell you it is a very good league. I have been playing in Europe for so many years, and I come here. … Yes, of course, it’s not like there is a big star on each team you play. But you play against some young players, very good, and against some experienced players — international as well, and some very good, you know? And I’ve been surprised to play against some of the teams who play good soccer.”

Sounders coach Sigi Schmid said that respect for the opponent — and for the sport — is one of the qualities that allows players to successfully move from soccer’s biggest stages to MLS.

“If they were guys who go through the motions they probably wouldn’t have gotten to where they’ve gotten to,” Schmid said. “But even within that sometimes you have a range of commitment. But I think we’ve very fortunate because Djimi’s commitment has been fantastic.”

Traore leads Seattle with 1,530 minutes in 17 games across all competitions. He is among the team leaders with 6.08 interceptions and 7.54 clearances per game. He even provided a pair of important goals: the Sounders’ first in their CONCACAF Champions League match against Tigres on March 12, and the game-winner in the 94th minute at Sporting Kansas City on May 8.

He also has made a point of passing along his experience to younger players who still harbor hopes of playing in some of the top leagues Traore already has experienced.

“It definitely gives you a very comfortable feeling to be playing with a guy like that,” 19-year-old right back DeAndre Yedlin said. “He’s kind of like my big brother on the team — or one of them on the team. He’s taught me so much. And then to see the effort that he puts in day in and day out with being 32 years old or whatever. It’s amazing, and it motivates me to be a better player.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.