COLUMBUS — Anass Zaroury arrived in Columbus in September with little time to settle into a new club, but the Moroccan international is already making an impact. With the Crew preparing for another MLS Cup Playoffs run, Zaroury has become an important part of an attack that has helped Columbus win five consecutive league matches.
The 25-year-old midfielder has recorded two goals and an assist in seven MLS appearances since joining the Crew on loan from Greek club Panathinaikos. Those numbers tell only part of the story, as Zaroury has shown an ability to create and score from positions that force opposing defenders to account for him.
His latest contribution came Saturday against D.C. United, when he scored a well-placed goal in the 41st minute of Columbus' 3-0 victory. Dylan Chambost found Zaroury on the left side of the penalty area, and the midfielder curled a right-footed shot into the far corner beyond goalkeeper Alex Bono.
The goal was another example of Zaroury's ability to create danger from wide positions. His willingness to shoot and ability to place the ball accurately have given the Crew another option when opponents concentrate on defending the middle of the field.
Zaroury's first Columbus goal came October 14 against Charlotte FC. Mohamed Farsi delivered a cross that Zaroury struck on the volley, scoring the go-ahead goal in a match the Crew eventually won 3-1. The performance provided an early indication of what he could contribute once he became more comfortable with his new teammates.
Two weeks later, Zaroury helped create the opening goal in Columbus' 2-0 victory at FC Dallas. His cross found Gonzalo Tapia in front of the net for an 18th-minute goal, giving Zaroury his first MLS assist and helping the Crew continue their push toward the postseason.
Those performances have come during an important stretch for Columbus, which was sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings at the beginning of September. The Crew have since climbed into playoff position, with their new arrivals contributing alongside established players such as Chambost, Farsi, and Patrick Schulte.
For Zaroury, the challenge has been learning a new system, but as he's become more comfortable, it is clear he is adding another dimension to Laurent Courtois' attack.
The Crew enter Saturday's Decision Day match at Chicago with an opportunity to improve their postseason position. Zaroury's recent performances give Columbus another reason for confidence, particularly as opponents prepare to face a team with several players capable of making the difference in the attacking third.
With the playoffs approaching, Columbus will be looking for Zaroury to continue building on a promising first two months with the club.
