Commerce City, Colo.- The Colorado Rapids finalized a deal to sign attacking midfielder Maziz from OH Leuven in Belgium. Maziz arrives in Colorado as a free agent. The Athletic, Burgundy Wave, and RM Soccer Journal have reported that the player was acquired as a TAM signing.
Maziz has spent the last three years with Belgian side, OH Leuven, who finished 12th out of 16 teams in the Belgian Pro League. Before his stint in Belgium, he featured for FC Metz in France and for the French youth national team. Maziz is 28-years-old.
The contract is two years (2.5 seasons) through the 2027-28 season with a club option for 2028-29. He’s not a long-term signing as an international player who will turn 30 under this contact. He should raise the floor of the attack. As a non-DP and non-U22, Maziz will not limit the Rapids roster build elsewhere.
How Does Maziz Fit into Wells System?
From his highlights, Maziz is impressive for his chance creation, dynamic ability on the ball, and his range of passing. These are abilities that halfway into the season, the Rapids are lacking in the attacking third.
Currently, Matt Wells has Wayne Frederick and Paxten Aaronson at the attacking midfield spots. It’s clear there could be more chance creation and quality. Can Maziz be the push for Aaronson to create more going forward?
Wells could also look at moving Aaronson to his normal proper number 8 position. Maziz could be the spark for the Colorado Rapids attack, while Aaronson sits a bit deeper. This could allow some of the attacking burden to be taken off Aaronson, while Maziz is free to be creative.
“He is a very creative player; always looking to make and score goals but, crucially, he combines this with high intensity pressing out of possession. For these reasons, he is a perfect fit for our style of play and we are delighted to have secured his signature,” Wells said of Maziz.
Additionally, out wide, the Rapids have struggled to create chances. There’s a chance Maziz features out wide with his one on one and crossing abilities.
Either way, Maziz could come in and really add a spark going forward for Colorado, who have struggled to get as much out of attack as Wells would like halfway into the season.
What Does This Mean for the Rest of the Window?
The MLS secondary window ends August 21. For Wells and the Rapids front office, that’s plenty of time to add more attacking firepower, which is a clear need for Colorado. Signings are needed to support the team in a push for the playoffs and the U.S. Open Cup.
Wells has been adamant to the media that himself and the Rapids board aren’t looking to panic buy for a “quick fix.” They want to find the right profiles to fit Wells’ complex playing style and ensure its guys with the right attitude immediately.
It’s a process that takes longer. Colorado will hope they’ve done their due process with Maziz, so when he arrives, he can truly fit into and impact Wells’ side.
For the rest of the window, I expect Colorado to add one or two more attacking pieces to this team. There’s still international slots and under-22 slots open to be utilized and money to be spent.
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Matt Pollard 
Spencer Baldwin 