In a Time of Transition, Chambost Will Need To Step Up | OneFootball

As the Columbus Crew approach the 2025 MLS season, the atmosphere is notably subdued. The offseason was marked by the departures of key players, leaving fans with tempered expectations.

The transfer of forward Juan “Cucho” Hernández to La Liga’s Real Betis stands out as a significant loss. Hernández, a pivotal figure in the Crew’s 2023 MLS Cup triumph, contributed 44 goals and 28 assists over 70 league appearances. His move, reportedly valued at $13 million, leaves a substantial void in the team’s offensive lineup.

Additionally, the Crew parted ways with forward Christian Ramírez, who joined LA Galaxy in exchange for $250,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for 2025, with the potential for an additional $250,000 in 2026. Ramírez’s experience and offensive contributions will be missed.

In the wake of these departures, attention turns to midfielder Dylan Chambost as the player we think will step up this season for the Black & Gold. Despite limited playtime in the 2024 season, with 10 appearances totaling 552 minutes, Chambost demonstrated his playmaking potential by recording four assists. His per-90-minute statistics are particularly noteworthy: • Assists: 0.65 (99th percentile among midfielders) • Expected Assisted Goals (xAG): 0.26 (98th percentile) • Shot-Creating Actions: 4.73 (97th percentile) • Passes Attempted: 79.24 (96th percentile) • Progressive Passes: 7.17 (87th percentile)

These numbers indicate that when Chambost is on the field, he is not just involved in play—he can dictate it. His vision, creativity, and willingness to attempt risky, high-reward passes make him a natural candidate to fill the playmaking void.

Given Nancy’s system, which emphasizes positional rotation and fluidity, Chambost’s technical skill set makes him an ideal fit to orchestrate the attack. He has the versatility to play both as a deep-lying playmaker and as a more advanced central midfielder, meaning Columbus can build around him in multiple ways.

Before arriving in MLS, Chambost spent several years playing in France’s top two divisions, most recently with AS Saint-Étienne. While not a prolific scorer, he was known for his ability to link midfield and attack, create goal-scoring chances, and control possession under pressure. Those skills should translate well as he takes on a larger role in Columbus’ midfield

The Crew are entering the season with more questions than answers in attack.If Chambost can emerge as the primary creator, Columbus will have a chance to remain among the MLS elite despite the roster upheaval. If not, the offense could struggle without Cucho’s ability to generate chances on his own.

With an increased role, an attacking system that fits his style, and playmaking numbers that suggest untapped potential, Dylan Chambost is the player Columbus Crew fans should be watching in 2025. His success—or failure—could define the team’s season.