FRISCO, Texas – The injury bug has bitten FC Dallas hard early this season.
With the announcement of David Ferreira’s surgery - which will likely keep him out till the end of May - injuries to Ricardo Villar and Andrew Wiedeman, head coach Schellas Hyndman decided enough was enough and recalled a familiar face – Brazilian midfield utility man Jackson.
“When we looked at our team, we decided we needed more help on the flank. I felt that was a position we needed help with,” Hyndman told MLSsoccer.com. “We really felt it was important we strengthen our depth in the midfield as much as possible.”
Jackson was loaned to Brazilian first division side Cruzeiro after starting 22 games last season. He scored eight goals and dished out three assists for FC Dallas across all competitions in 2011 while playing a variety of positions.
“He’s a player that has proven himself to us. I would expect that once he gets here, he will get adjusted to his teammates and get back on track,” Hyndman said. “I think he’ll transition fairly quickly. The adjustment period will be with his teammates. There are guys on the team he hasn’t played with.”
Hyndman explained that the versatile midfielder will have a utility role this season and expects him to adjust quickly. The FCD head coach went on to say that Jackson will wear many hats and has the physical attributes to contribute from every position on the field.
“He’s very soccer intelligent. He’s a very smart soccer player. He can play any general position,” Hyndman said. “He showed us in the past that he can play as a striker, on the flank, as a midfielder, and fullback. He basically can play any position we put him at. He’s very athletic.”
Jackson still has to pass a physical before he can train or play in games, meaning he will miss Dallas' match with Montreal (8:30 pm, watch LIVE online), but should be available by next week.
