L. Lappalainen Columbus Crew Midfielder #26 Performance Analysis and Season Highlights
Lassi Lappalainen is Columbus Crew’s new midfielder, rocking the #26 jersey. He brings real international experience and some serious speed to the squad. The Crew signed him through 2025, and he comes over from Finland with a reputation for those powerful runs and creating danger on the wing.
At 26, Lappalainen looks like he’ll mesh well with the fast, physical style of Major League Soccer. If you keep tabs on Crew news, you probably noticed this move reunites him with coach Wilfried Nancy, who coached him back in Montréal.
That kind of history usually leads to instant chemistry. Crew fans, you might want to watch this pairing closely. For more on Lappalainen’s background, check out his official Crew profile.
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Let’s hit some quick stats for Lappalainen:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | CF Montréal | 20 | 2 | 3 |
| 2024 | Columbus Crew | – | – | – |
Contents
Lassi Lappalainen at Columbus Crew
Lappalainen joined Columbus Crew with a solid mix of experience and versatility. He made an impact right away.
He’s comfortable both in the midfield and out wide, which is exactly what MLS demands. He adapts quickly, and you see that in his play.
Role as Midfielder and Winger
Watch Lappalainen on the left wing, and you’ll see how he loves to push up and down the field. As a midfielder and winger, he brings a burst of speed and sharp decisions.
Most often, he drives forward, linking up with attackers and opening up the left side. His time as a winger at CF Montréal gave him confidence to take on defenders one-on-one.
He spots passing lanes fast, and he’s not shy about whipping in crosses or cutting inside. This gives Columbus Crew a handy option, especially when they need to stretch packed defenses.
In attacking transitions, his runs drag defenders out of shape. Off the ball, he presses and recovers quickly—a real asset in MLS, where pace and fitness are everything.
Squad Number and Positioning
Lappalainen wears the #26 jersey for the Crew. Coach Wilfried Nancy typically lists him as a left winger, but sometimes he drops deeper in the midfield.
In the Crew’s usual formation, you’ll catch him wide in a 4-3-3. He can also tuck inside as a left-sided midfielder. That flexibility lets Columbus adjust tactics mid-game without burning a sub.
Here’s a snapshot of his recent stats:
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023* | 25 | 3 | 4 | 16 |
| 2024 | 16 | 2 | 2 | 10 |
*With CF Montréal
Lappalainen’s movement and awareness make him valuable, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Transfer and Contract Details
Columbus Crew picked up Lassi Lappalainen as a free agent before the 2025 MLS season. His contract runs through 2025, with a club option for 2026.
He spent six years at CF Montréal, racking up 99 regular season games, 15 goals, and 15 assists. The move to Columbus brings him back together with coach Wilfried Nancy.
For more on his signing, check out MLS Soccer and the team’s official site.
With his MLS and international experience, Lappalainen gives the Crew a seasoned pro who can make a difference on and off the field.
Professional Career Journey
Lassi Lappalainen’s journey to the Columbus Crew roster took him through top clubs in Finland, Italy, and North America.
Every stop on his path shaped him into the quick, skillful winger he is today.
Beginnings in Espoo, Finland
You might not expect a top winger to come out of Espoo, Finland, but that’s where Lappalainen started. Born in 1998, he got noticed early for his pace and technique.
Young Finnish players deal with tough winters and short seasons. Still, Lappalainen’s time in Espoo built a solid foundation for his game.
He stood out in youth clubs. He learned to adapt, train indoors, and picked up the kind of work ethic Finnish footballers are known for.
Rise at HJK Helsinki and Rovaniemen Palloseura
After his youth days, Lappalainen joined HJK Helsinki, Finland’s top club. He made his professional debut there, facing the pressure that comes with a winning team.
He developed as a versatile attacker, mostly as a winger, but he helped in midfield too. Lappalainen chipped in with goals and assists, showcasing his technical skills.
A loan to Rovaniemen Palloseura (RoPS) gave him more time on the pitch. At RoPS, he became a key player, often leading the attack.
His ability to break away from defenders made him one of the Veikkausliiga’s most exciting young players.
Key Stats at HJK & RoPS
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| HJK | 48 | 11 | 8 |
| RoPS | 29 | 8 | 2 |
Serie A Experience with Bologna
Lappalainen’s play in Finland caught the eyes of scouts in Europe. That led to a move to Italian club Bologna.
Jumping to Serie A was a big leap in competition. At Bologna, he had to adapt to a faster, more physical league.
The challenge of Italian football pushed him to develop more tactical awareness. He didn’t get many minutes in Serie A games, but those training sessions with top-level players and coaches improved his game.
His time in Italy set the stage for his move to North America. Clubs there saw his potential.
Breakthrough with CF Montréal
Lappalainen made the jump to Major League Soccer with CF Montréal (formerly Montreal Impact). He found regular playing time and became a dependable part of the squad.
His confidence grew as he scored goals and set up chances for teammates. He reunited with Wilfried Nancy, who later coached him again in Columbus.
Under Nancy, Lappalainen’s speed and direct style fit right in. In 2022, he tallied three goals and seven assists.
Montreal leaned on him in big games, especially on the left wing. His time there built his reputation as a consistent winger and set up his move to the Columbus Crew.
Performance and Impact in MLS
Lassi Lappalainen has delivered steady performances since he arrived in MLS. He adapts well to different teams and keeps producing goals and assists.
MLS Stats and Achievements
You can follow Lappalainen’s progress through his numbers. In his MLS career, he’s put up at least 15 goals and 15 assists—a solid haul for a winger.
His consistency stands out, especially since he’s played for two different teams and adapted to their styles. He’s known for his speed, but his vision and direct play matter just as much.
Here’s a quick breakdown of his MLS stats:
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 15 |
| Appearances | 97+ |
| Key Passes | Consistent per season |
| Years in MLS | Since 2019 |
He doesn’t always grab headlines, but if you watch closely, you’ll see how he shapes games for his teams.
Contributions to Columbus Crew
Since joining the Columbus Crew, Lappalainen has been a steady presence on the left wing. He brings tactical flexibility and depth.
Wilfried Nancy trusts his experience and work rate to keep the team balanced. Lappalainen’s quick runs stretch defenses and open space for teammates.
With Columbus, he mixes individual drive with smart team play. He tracks back to help the fullbacks, then bursts forward for counterattacks.
His recent assists have come at big moments, showing he steps up when it counts. He’s not always the top scorer, but his influence is clear in how the Crew move the ball and press opponents.
Influence at CF Montréal
At CF Montréal, Lappalainen made a real impact, playing in nearly 100 matches. He adjusted fast to MLS, scoring key goals soon after he arrived.
The club got a boost from his offense and his defensive work. Lappalainen’s versatility let Montréal use him as a winger and as a wing-back.
You could count on him for creativity and energy. He helped the club reach the playoffs and stayed a regular starter under different managers.
His experience in Montréal prepared him for his current role in Columbus, proving his value as a dependable MLS pro.
Tactical Strengths and Playing Style
Lassi Lappalainen shines with those quick bursts on the left wing. He balances that with smart defensive work.
His movement—on and off the ball—and his ability to adapt make him a key piece for the Columbus Crew.
Pace and Offensive Versatility
You spot his speed right away. Lappalainen just bursts past defenders, finding space along the sideline or sneaking in behind the back line.
As a winger, he uses his acceleration and control to whip in strong crosses and open up passing lanes in the final third.
He’s got a knack for drifting into the box at just the right moment. With both feet, he can finish, drive in a low cross, or cut it back for a teammate.
Because he’s so aware, he’ll make the extra pass instead of forcing a shot.
Key Offensive Stats
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 (Montreal) | 24 | 3 | 5 |
| 2024 (Montreal+Crew) | 11 | 1 | 1 |
His blend of speed and skill has given the Crew something fresh out on the left. Lappalainen isn’t glued to the sideline—he’ll take defenders on, then cut inside and link up play.
That kind of movement keeps defenders honest and always guessing (player profile).
Defensive Work Rate
You can always count on Lappalainen to hustle back and help out defensively. He’s not just about attacking; you’ll see him sprinting to cover for fullbacks or disrupt a counter.
His stamina stands out. He keeps up a high tempo for most of the match.
He presses hard near the sideline, closes down gaps, and forces opponents into mistakes. When it’s time to get physical, he’ll step in for a tackle or scoop up a loose ball.
That kind of effort makes him reliable, especially late in games when everyone’s legs start to feel heavy.
In one-on-one moments, he stays on his feet and times his challenges. He doesn’t dive in—he keeps his balance, which helps the team maintain shape and avoid costly errors.
Coaches love that in a wide midfielder.
Tactical Flexibility
Lappalainen’s role shifts depending on what the game calls for. He’s played as a winger, left midfielder, and even wing-back.
With the Crew, you’ll see him swap flanks, drift inside, or stretch the field out wide.
If the team changes shape in the middle of a match, he adapts quickly. Whether it’s a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3, he understands where to be and how to use space.
If the opponent sits deep, he’ll push higher and stay wide. When you need a late goal, he’ll pop up centrally and add pressure.
Coaches trust his smart movement and discipline to stick to the plan.
He’s comfortable making tweaks to his game, which helps the Crew stay organized and dangerous at the same time (Columbus Crew signing announcement).
Leadership and Coaching Influence
Lassi Lappalainen’s move to the Columbus Crew connects him with some big names in the organization. His relationship with Wilfried Nancy, Issa Tall, and the Crew’s execs plays a huge part in shaping his experience.
These leaders set the tone and expectations that drive his performance on and off the pitch.
Working with Wilfried Nancy
If you’ve followed Lappalainen’s MLS career, you already know Wilfried Nancy. The Crew’s head coach had him in Montréal, and they built a real trust and understanding.
When Lappalainen joined Columbus, he already knew what Nancy wanted—discipline, sharp ball movement, and a focus on player growth.
Nancy asks for patience on the ball but wants wingers to attack space when it opens up. Under Nancy in Montréal, Lappalainen played 99 matches, scored 15 goals, and provided 15 assists.
That’s a sign of how Nancy’s leadership helped him grow. Their partnership in Columbus could push Lappalainen to another level, especially in a system tailored for his strengths.
Key Stats under Nancy
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2024 (MTL) | 99 | 15 | 15 |
Guidance from Issa Tall
Issa Tall—assistant coach and a guy who knows midfielders and wingers inside out—brings structure to Lappalainen’s game. He works closely with him, especially before matches, breaking down opposition tendencies.
Tall’s analytical style helps Lappalainen understand his role and how the team should adjust during games. You’ll see that influence on the training ground, where they focus on positioning, decisions, and quick transitions.
By drilling these details, Tall has helped Lappalainen sharpen his impact, especially when Columbus shifts from defense to attack. You can see it in his off-ball runs and defensive recoveries—both critical for the Crew.
Support from Club Executives
The Crew’s top brass, especially the general manager, play a big role in making sure Lappalainen feels at home. They did their homework, clearly valuing his MLS experience and how he fits the club’s style.
They’ve given him a stable environment to settle in, both professionally and personally.
Management keeps the lines of communication open. He knows where he stands—contract details, his role, and the resources available to help him adapt.
That kind of support from the top shows how much the Crew want to build a strong culture around players like Lappalainen.
International Experience and Recognition
Lappalainen’s career highlights his commitment to Finland’s national squads and his knack for showing up in big moments. You see his speed, passing, and discipline every time he puts on that Finland shirt.
Finland National Team Involvement
Lassi’s steady climb in European football started with Finland’s youth ranks—U19 and U21 teams—before he got his first senior call-up in 2019.
Since then, he’s played in World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Nations League, and friendlies. He lines up as a left winger or drops deeper when needed.
Here’s his Finland national team record so far:
| Year | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 1 |
| 2020 | 4 | 0 |
| 2021 | 5 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 |
His energy and effort at both ends of the field have made him a regular pick for Finland’s coaches.
Key International Appearances
Let’s talk about some of the matches that really pop in Lappalainen’s international career. He made his debut in a European Championship qualifier against Greece. Coming off the bench, he bagged his first goal. That’s the kind of entrance you just can’t teach.
He’s played against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, and Wales. Facing off with those squads? That’s no small task. Those big-stage games threw him right into the fire with some of Europe’s best, and honestly, it’s only made him sharper.
Lappalainen’s had his moments in the UEFA Nations League too, especially in matches against the Republic of Ireland. He handled the pressure like he’d been there before. Sure, he’s not always in the starting eleven, but when Finland needs a spark, he brings the juice. His speed and willingness to stretch defenses have bailed Finland out in some tight spots.
