One highlight of Orlando City’s 2017 season was the acquisition of Perúvian midfielder Yoshi Yotún. He joined the Lions during a busy summer transfer window in Major League Soccer and made an immediate impact for his new club.
“Yoshi for us is a player that has come here and shown a great desire to compete every minute of every game,” City Head Coach Jason Kreis said. “If he continues to put forth that effort he’s going to be a big player for us going forward.”
The versatile midfielder made 10 starts in 10 MLS matches played for Orlando City this past season - recording one goal and four assists in 887 total minutes played.
Yoshi’s impact, however, is felt well beyond the statistics. His quality set-piece deliveries and ability to pick out any pass on the pitch added a bit of flair to the Orlando City attack. Yotún is a great decision-maker with the ball at his feet and never hesitates to challenge for 50/50 balls. His top-class skill and versatility came to the forefront in a breakout performance against Vancouver at home, where he dominated midfield areas before switching to left back in the second half, giving his team a new-look going forward.
Yoshi joined Orlando City two thirds of the way through the season, but it feels like he’s been here since day one. His style of play fits into any attacking system - quick, decisive movements with the unselfish knack to involve his teammates in the build up.
“I know I’ve only been in Orlando for a few months, but I feel everything with this team as if I’ve been here all season,” Yotún said. “So we just have to look forward.”
The Lima, Perú native also joyfully explained why he really feels at home in Orlando.
“I’m very lucky that there are many Peruvian restaurants in Orlando,” Yoshi said with a smile. “So I try to go to as many as I can.”
Kidding aside, Yotún has meshed in with the Orlando City culture and will continue to work hard as this club looks to improve in 2018. Expect the crafty left-footer to play an integral role for the Lions going forward.