Darlington Nagbe is the 'perfect captain' for Columbus Crew heading into MLS Cup Final
A resume such as Darlington Nagbe's commands respect.
A 13-season MLS veteran, Nagbe has logged more time in the league than any of his Crew teammates – by far. Add in two MLS All-Star appearances, two MLS Goal of the Year awards and three MLS Cups, it's no wonder his teammates respect him.
Ask Sean Zawadzki. He calls Nagbe "the best centerman in the league."
The appreciation this Crew team has for its quiet captain goes beyond his ability on the field, however.
"I just think him as a person is the thing that stands out to me the most. Just always a smile on his face, always someone everyone wants to be surrounded by," Crew's Aidan Morris said. "On the field, he’s just so calm always, never seems under pressure, relaxed, always has a plan. Such a guy you can look towards and leads by example."
A legend and leader
After years of playing with the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United, Nagbe came to Columbus in his native state of Ohio for the 2020 season. Right away, Nagbe helped lead the team to an MLS Cup Final in what was a shortened season due to the pandemic. Just days before the title match, he tested positive for COVID himself and was sidelined for the biggest game of the year.
Morris stepped up in his place, and the Crew would ultimately bring home the championship with a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders, which Nagbe watched from his basement. Once Morris got to the locker room after the game, the first person he called was the man he replaced in the starting lineup.
"Still the same smile on his face," Morris said, describing Nagbe's demeanor on the phone. "He was just so happy for everyone there. I think that speaks volumes to the person he is."
Now there is a chance for Nagbe to play for a championship with Morris by his side.
"Not to be able to play in that final game was a disappointment. But I think after the result, the way it went, the way Aidan played, I forgot about it," Nagbe said. "Playing with him, alongside him and the rest of the guys, being a part of this game day, looking forward to it."
Morris and Nagbe's other teammates believe their captain lives up to his title.
Malte Amundsen describes Nagbe's aura of calmness as one that "makes you want to listen to him even though he doesn't have the loudest voice." Yaw Yeboah claims he can't find enough words to fully capture how strong of a leader Nagbe is, but notes he's a legend in his eyes.
The value of having someone on the team with the leadership and experience of Nagbe is something his teammates don't take for granted.
"A couple of past teams, some of the leaders were a bit cold and stuff. But with him, you can talk with him, he's always there for motivation," Mo Farsi said. "When you see your captain is like that with you, especially young guys, you just feel comfortable on the field."
Postseason motivation
Going into the locker room at halftime of their Eastern Conference Finals matchup with FC Cincinnati on the road, the Crew found themselves behind 2-0. It was their captain who gave the Crew confidence going into the second half.
"He had a pretty nice speech," Alex Matan said. "That motivated us to step into the second half.”
Nagbe, who signed a contract extension during the postseason that runs through 2025 with a club option for 2026, has the chance on Saturday to add a fourth title to his trophy case, his second with the Crew.
"He's just a perfect captain," Morris said. "Perfect guy to lead the team through thick and thin.”
Get more Columbus Crew news by listening to our podcasts
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew captain Darlington Nagbe eager to win 4th MLS Cup
