After weeks of training and sorting out visa paperwork, Minnesota United announced the signing of central midfielder Jack Blake on Thursday. 21 years old, Blake came up through the Nottingham Forest academy and has represented Scotland at the U-21 level. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed per club and league policy. The deal is for the remainder of 2016, while United holds an option on him for 2017.
Despite being part of the first team at Nottingham Forest and experiencing three substitute appearances, constant management changes at the club created a difficult environment and made it hard for young players to break through. Jack also played on loan for Mansfield Town in the English Football League Two, getting three appearances in league play.
Born in England but with a Scottish grandfather, Jack has dual nationality. At the age of 15 he represented Scotland at the Under 19 European Championships and he’s also played for the Scots in Slovenia and Norway. Over the course of the past four years, Blake has also trained with Atletico Madrid (Spain), Deportivo La Coruna (Spain), Brescia (Italy) and AZ Alkmaar (Holland).
As far as his playing style, Blake looks to fill a role as either a #6 or a #8 centrally. He possesses a quick first touch and crisp passing, making him a great fit for a 4-2-3-1. During his trial, he was one of three players taking regular practice with free kicks and would figure to challenge Kevin Venegas and Lance Laing for these dead-balls. He will wear kit number 14 this year.
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