Despite limited starts, Ramirez has become Columbus’ preferred closer, logging five goals in his last seven substitute appearances. He spends hours with assistant coach Kwame Ampadu reviewing where opposing center backs lose shape late in games.
Ramirez says the key is patience: “When you come on against fatigued legs, you can’t rush the first touch. You hold your run, let the play develop, then pounce.”
The striker is also mentoring academy forwards by showing how to read body language from defenders, noting when a shoulder drops or a head swivels away from the ball.
Nancy appreciates the professionalism: “It’s not easy to accept reduced minutes after a career of starting, but Christian’s humility has lifted the locker room.”
The Crew plan to keep Ramirez’s minutes in the 20-25 range per match, ensuring he’s fresh to capitalize on playoff chaos.