P. DE LA VEGA SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC FORWARD #10: The Goal-Scoring Pizza-Baking Phenom You Can’t Bench
When you tune in to watch Seattle Sounders FC, your eyes probably dart straight to the number 10 shirt. That’s Pedro de la Vega, the Argentine winger who’s now a forward, arriving from Lanús with a whole lot of hype and a record transfer fee. He’s the guy they brought in to shake things up—pace, vision, creativity—you name it. His job in Seattle’s attack makes him one of the squad’s real difference-makers.
You’re not just getting a flashy dribbler when you follow de la Vega. His journey started in Olavarría, Argentina, and it’s been anything but smooth. He bounced back from early rejections at Boca Juniors and River Plate, then became a Designated Player in Seattle. Lanús gave him over 100 matches’ worth of experience, so by the time he landed in MLS, he could handle the pressure that comes with the number 10 shirt.
At 24, de la Vega already leaves his mark. He scored on his debut against LAFC. Remember that brace against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup? That’s the kind of raw ability and maturity he brings. It sets him up for big things with the Sounders, and honestly, maybe even bigger things down the line.
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P. de la Vega’s Role at Seattle Sounders FC
You see a young Argentine winger settling into MLS, growing steadily, and earning Brian Schmetzer’s trust to impact games in different ways. His Designated Player status really speaks to his ability to step up, especially when veterans like Albert Rusnák or Nicolás Lodeiro aren’t around.
Arrival and Designated Player Status
Pedro de la Vega joined Seattle Sounders FC from Lanús, where he grew into a legit wide attacker. He signed at just 22 as a Young Designated Player, taking up a pretty key roster spot. His contract runs through 2027 with an option for 2028, and that says the club’s all-in for the long haul.
You can’t ignore how big that is in MLS. Designated Player slots are rare, so when the Sounders gave him one, they made it clear—they expect him to be a game-changer. He joined a squad with Raul Ruidíaz and Albert Rusnák as senior DPs, so he’s the third piece of that puzzle.
Seattle needed someone younger to bridge the gap between their veterans and the next wave. De la Vega fits that perfectly. His speed, creativity, and the guts to take on defenders give Seattle a flexible attacking option all across the front line.
Jersey Number and Position Responsibilities
When de la Vega pulls on the No. 10 shirt, it’s about more than just playing out wide. That number’s got history—think Nicolás Lodeiro. For you, it’s a sign the Sounders see him as both a creator and a finisher.
He usually lines up on the left wing, but Schmetzer has moved him around the attacking midfield in the 4-2-3-1. He stretches defenses with his runs and then cuts inside to link up or let fly from distance. His defensive work rate stands out too, especially in games where Seattle presses high.
If Rusnák or Lodeiro can’t play, de la Vega takes on more of the creative load. That balance—flair mixed with tactical discipline—makes his role pretty unique. He’s not just a winger; he’s a connector in the Sounders’ system.
Key Contributions in Recent Matches
De la Vega has started to make things happen in recent months. Against San Jose, he bagged the match-winner and chipped in an assist in a wild 3-2 win, earning MLS Team of the Matchday. In the Nashville match, he scored his first MLS home goal and added another assist, carrying a lot of the attack.
His knack for filling different roles gives Schmetzer more options. When Jordan Morris missed time, de la Vega stepped up to deliver width and creativity. His late cameo against Cruz Azul in Leagues Cup, where he changed the game’s tempo, really showed his value—starter or sub, he makes an impact.
Recent Match Stats
| Match | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs San Jose Earthquakes | 1 | 1 | 90 | 3-2 Win |
| vs Nashville SC | 1 | 1 | 62 | 2-0 Win |
| vs Cruz Azul (Leagues Cup) | 1 | 0 | 18 | 7-0 Win |
You see a pattern: give him minutes, and he produces. That’s exactly what the Sounders hoped for when they brought him over from Lanús, and now it’s finally coming together.
On-Field Performance and Playing Style
Pedro de la Vega, who came up through Lanús’ academy, has turned into a big piece for Seattle Sounders FC. He’s versatile on the left wing and finds ways to influence games in more than one way. You see his value not just in goals, but in the way he makes space, links up with teammates, and adapts to whatever Brian Schmetzer asks.
Offensive Skills and Goal Scoring
You really notice de la Vega’s attacking value when he takes defenders on one-v-one. His quick acceleration and those sharp cuts make him tough to stop on the left. He loves to cut inside onto his right foot, giving himself the chance to shoot from range or link up centrally.
That curling strike from 20 yards against San Jose? Pure class under pressure. He also smashed a highlight-reel volley in the Leagues Cup against Cruz Azul—a goal now in the Puskás Award contender conversation. These are the moments that show you why he’s trusted as a match-winner.
His stats back it up:
| Season (MLS) | Matches | Goals | Assists | Key Passes per 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14 | 3 | 2 | 1.1 |
| 2025* | 20 | 5 | 4 | 1.6 |
*2025 stats as of August
Put that together with his counterattack threat, and you’ve got a reliable scoring option next to Jordan Morris.
Creativity and Playmaking
You can’t miss de la Vega’s vision in the final third. He doesn’t just attack space—he creates it. He spots diagonal runs and whips in accurate crosses, which gives Seattle another wrinkle when Rusnák gets forward.
That assist to Danny Musovski against San Jose—a clipped ball to the back post—showed his timing and awareness. Schmetzer values that in the 4-2-3-1, since wingers need to both score and set up others.
He drifts inside to combine with Rusnák or Osaze De Rosario, pulling defenders out and opening lanes for overlapping fullbacks. That movement helps Seattle keep the pressure on up front.
Partnerships with Teammates
His growth really shows in how he connects with teammates. On the left, he competes with Ryan Kent and Paul Rothrock for minutes, but his chemistry with Morris stands out. When Morris moves central, de la Vega’s movement stretches defenses, which opens up space for those direct runs.
Georgi Minoungou benefits from de la Vega’s creativity too. When they’re both out there, defenses have to respect two speedy threats, which makes life tough for any back line.
Schmetzer rotates his wingers, but lately, de la Vega’s form makes him hard to bench. Teammates say his work rate at training leads to sharper play on matchday. For you, that means watching a player who lifts up the stars like Rusnák and Morris—and makes everyone around him better.
Notable Matches and Achievements
Pedro de la Vega has already made his presence felt in Seattle. He’s scored big goals, delivered timely assists, and put in strong performances in league and cup play. When things get tense, he’s become one of the most reliable attackers in Major League Soccer.
Historic Victory Against Cruz Azul
Some matches stick with you because of moments, and de la Vega gave Seattle one against Cruz Azul. In a Leagues Cup game, he smashed a volley that was easily one of the best goals of the tournament. It came in the 76th minute, sealing a win that pushed the Sounders forward in continental play.
That wasn’t just a highlight—it was a statement. Cruz Azul, with all their history, rarely gets beaten by goals of that quality. De la Vega’s finish showed his cool under pressure and his knack for deciding matches with a single touch.
The play also showed off his chemistry with teammates. Quick passes opened the space, and de la Vega’s run into the box gave him the chance to score. You can see why Seattle spent big to bring him in as a Designated Player.
Leagues Cup Performances
De la Vega did more than just score once in the Leagues Cup. He found the net against Atlanta United and Nashville SC too, giving Seattle different ways to win. He stayed consistent all tournament, adapting to different defenses from MLS and Liga MX.
Leagues Cup 2024 Key Stats
| Opponent | Minute Scored | Result | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruz Azul | 76’ | Win | Match-winner |
| Atlanta United | 54’ | Draw | Equalizer |
| Nashville SC | 30’ | Win | Early lead |
You notice he doesn’t just score; he controls the tempo. His high pressing and quick combinations keep defenders on their toes. For Seattle, his Leagues Cup performances proved he’s a force in knockout games.
Impact in MLS and Concacaf Champions Cup
In league play, de la Vega faces the pressure that comes with the No. 10 shirt. He creates chances, scores in key games, and steps up when Seattle needs more in attack. Matches against LAFC and FC Dallas, where he faces forwards like Jesús Ferreira, show he can hang with MLS’s best.
In the Concacaf Champions Cup, he’s just as crucial. Seattle leans on his creativity to break down packed defenses, especially away from home. His vision and pace force opponents to change their shape and open up.
De la Vega’s journey from Club Atlético Lanús to these big continental stages shows steady growth. You watch him now and see a guy who’s turned past injuries into resilience, showing up when the stakes are highest.
Career Journey Before Seattle Sounders FC
You can really see how a player’s early years shape their path. For Pedro de la Vega, that foundation came in Argentina. He developed at Lanús, built his platform, and then took the leap to Major League Soccer for the next chapter in his career.
Development at Lanús
De la Vega grew up in Olavarría, Argentina, and joined Ferro Carril Sud before making the jump to Club Atlético Lanús at just 14. Honestly, not many teenagers leave home that early, but he took the risk, and it worked out.
At Lanús, he moved up through the youth system and made his professional debut by 17. Over eight years, he settled in as a reliable winger, mixing creativity with steady performances.
His numbers show how he kept improving:
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 23 | 2 | 2 |
| 2019-20 | 27 | 3 | 4 |
| 2021-22 | 36 | 6 | 7 |
| 2022-23 | 28 | 6 | 5 |
He played for Argentina at the U-20 and U-23 levels, even making three appearances at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That kind of international experience really boosted his reputation and showed he could handle tougher competition.
Transition to Major League Soccer
By 2024, de la Vega decided it was time for a new challenge. The Seattle Sounders had tracked him for years and finally brought him over from Lanús for a club-record fee of $7.5 million. Lanús held onto a 20% stake in any future sale, which says a lot about his value.
He signed a four-year deal as a Young Designated Player, with an option for 2028. That status put him in a special category, giving the Sounders some flexibility under MLS roster rules and showing they were in for the long haul.
Adjusting to life in the United States wasn’t easy—new culture, new language—but he leaned on teammates and staff to help him settle in. He stayed focused on making a difference for a club that’s used to winning, and honestly, his move made sense for both his growth and Seattle’s big-picture plans.
If you want the full details, check out his transfer to Seattle Sounders FC.
International Experience and Recognition
Pedro de la Vega made a name for himself not just with his clubs but also with Argentina’s youth and senior teams. His international career gave him valuable exposure against top teams and proved he could adapt in different roles—sometimes as a winger, sometimes as a midfielder.
Argentina National Team and Olympics
You probably first heard about de la Vega on the international stage when he got called up to Argentina’s senior squad in 2019. At 18, that’s a big deal—coaches and scouts clearly thought highly of him.
He later became a key part of Argentina’s U-23 squad, competing at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He played both as a winger and an attacking midfielder, showing off his versatility against tough opponents like Spain and Egypt. Argentina didn’t get past the group stage, but de la Vega’s pace and pressing stood out, and he created chances even under pressure.
That Olympic experience gave him a real platform to grow. The tournament sharpened his decision-making and helped prepare him for the demands of Major League Soccer with Seattle.
Argentina Olympic Stats
| Tournament | Year | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Olympics | 2021 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
FIFA U-20 World Cup Highlights
Before the Olympics, de la Vega turned heads at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. He played every match for Argentina’s U-20s and showed flashes of the creativity that would later define his style.
You might remember how he stretched defenses, drifting wide to open up space for others. He didn’t score, but his work rate and technical skill caught the attention of scouts from Europe and MLS.
Argentina reached the Round of 16 and lost to Mali on penalties. For de la Vega, the tournament was more about learning and gaining experience than just results. That exposure made the jump to senior football—and eventually the Seattle Sounders—feel like a natural next step.
FIFA U-20 World Cup 2019 Stats
| Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0 | 1 | 312 |
Influence and Future Prospects
Pedro de la Vega has quickly become a central figure for Seattle Sounders FC, both on and off the field. Wearing the team’s No. 10 shirt is a big responsibility, and how he adapts will shape what’s possible for Seattle in MLS.
Leadership as Seattle’s No. 10
When you watch de la Vega, you see someone who mixes technical skill with a sense of responsibility. That No. 10 jersey isn’t just about being creative—it means you’re expected to control the tempo and set the tone. He’s taken that seriously, staying calm on the ball and sparking the attack when things slow down.
His early days at Club Atlético Lanús, where he debuted at 17, really set him up for this. At Lanús, he played nearly 150 senior matches, managing the pressure of a top club while also representing Argentina at youth and Olympic levels. That background helped him handle high-pressure environments.
In Seattle, he’s had to adjust to a new league, a different language, and a whole new style of play. Still, you can already see his influence in matches when Jordan Morris or Albert Rusnák aren’t available. He steps into that creative gap, linking the midfield and attack, and giving the Sounders a dependable option.
Recent Contributions (MLS 2025)
| Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 4 | 3 | 1,050 |
His numbers are solid, but honestly, his impact goes way beyond stats. You can see teammates looking for him when they need someone to make the right decision in tight spots.
Expectations for Upcoming Seasons
Looking ahead, I’d expect de la Vega to become even more central to Seattle’s identity. At just 24, he’s heading into his prime, and the Sounders have really put their money where their mouth is—signing him on a Young Designated Player deal through 2027.
That kind of commitment shows they don’t just believe in his talent; they’re planning to build the team around him. The club paid a record fee to bring him in, and with MLS Season Pass putting every match out there for the world to see, his performances matter a lot more now.
If he stays healthy, I could easily see him putting up double-digit goals and assists in a season. No Sounders winger has pulled that off since the days when Nicolás Lodeiro was at his best.
Seattle’s roster makeup actually helps him out. Veterans like Morris and Rusnák are still around, so de la Vega doesn’t have to do all the heavy lifting in attack right away.
He gets the chance to grow into the role, picking up more responsibility as those older players start to wind down. That kind of balance lets him develop at his own pace, without anyone demanding instant results.
As a viewer, you probably know what’s coming: de la Vega is set to be one of the players who shapes the Sounders’ next era. With his youth, international experience, and technical skill, he looks like a long-term cornerstone—especially in a league that keeps betting big on young South American talent.
