What Eryk Williamson brings to Charlotte FC's midfield
By Sam Vanolinda
Charlotte FC is reportedly adding a new central midfielder: US international Eryk Williamson. He will be acquired in a trade from the Portland Timbers for $100,000 GAM upfront and more in add-ons.
The 27-year-old made 112 appearances with Portland and has six caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team in his career.
Williamson, a Virginia native, started his career at the University of Maryland. He won the 2017 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year award and appeared in 58 matches for the Terrapins.
He then joined the D.C United academy and was traded to Portland in 2018. He had interest from German side Schalke but an offer was never made.
He made his debut for the Portland Timbers in June 2018 and had his first start for the club in June 2019. His first goal was in September 2020, the same year he was a big factor in the Timbers winning the MLS is Back Tournament.
On a personal note, he has a brother who played soccer at Chowan University and he is the cousin of Queen Latifah according to his Maryland Bio.
Here's a look at what Williamson's game can bring to Charlotte:
Strengths
Williamson is a central midfielder who will bring the ball forward and progress the game. He is skilled in moving the ball from the middle to the final third.
He averages 6.49 progressive passes per game, which is in the 81st percentile compared to others in his position, 1.77 progressive carries per game, good for the 84th percentile, and 1.01 successful take-ons which is in the 83rd percentile.
He is comfortable on the ball and great in counter-attacking situations taking the ball forward and making the right pass to create opportunities on the other end.
He’s the type of player who will make a tackle or interception in his own final third and is skilled enough to beat one or two players and fast enough to press the attack on the other end of the field.
His skillset suits Charlotte FC incredibly well because Charlotte is defending in a lot of games and could use a player who can quickly start the counterattack. The Crown has such solid defensive players that they could use a central midfielder who can bring the ball forward and distribute to the likes of Liel Abada or Pep Biel.
20 total goal contributions and six goals from a central midfield role in seven seasons is a solid stat line. He is a player that can finish when put in the position to score.
Weaknesses
The best ability is availability. Williamson has dealt with injury issues in his career. He has missed 80 games during his time in MLS.
He has torn both of his ACLs; once in 2021 and again two years later in 2023. Dealing with those two injuries, he is not likely going to be able to move like he did at the start of his career. With that being said, he only missed one game in 2024.
He is not the most defensively skilled central midfielder. Don’t expect him to be making tackle after tackle in a game. His instincts and quickness make him above average in the interception field, but he is only in the 19th percentile in tackles per game.
What you see is what you get with this player. He will be a very solid option when healthy and can bring something different from a tactical standpoint.
He should do well with Dean Smith if he avoids injuries and demonstrates he can provide the connection between the defensive line and the attack while in possession.
