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D.C. United signs 20-year-old Indonesian youth international Syamsir Alam

The Black-and-Red have signed their first player to share a homeland with team owner Erick Thohir. The attacking midfielder has played for teams on no fewer than three continents and will come to D.C. on loan.

By Adam M Taylor
Patrick McDermott

Ever since that press conference last year announcing the investment into the team by Jason Levien and Erick Thohir, we all knew this day would come: D.C. United has signed their first Indonesian player. Syamsir Alam, a 20-year-old attacking midfielder will be joining the team on loan this year from Belgian second division side C.S. Visé. Despite "Indonesian Messi" Andik Vermansyah training with the Black-and-Red last year, this is the first Indonesian to appear on the roster. Alam has played in the Indonesian national team youth setup ever since the U-11 level and most recently appeared for Garuda Muda's U-23 side. According to the release from D.C. United, Alam has also played with teams in the Uruguayan Primera División and in the Dutch Eredivisie, including a stint with SC Heerenveen, famous on this side of the Atlantic for helping in the development of USMNT midfielder Michael Bradley.

Conveniently, United did the YouTube scouring for us and has provided this video for our internet scouting enjoyment (via CSViseofficial):

What do we think? Alam looks to be a pretty technical player who lines up best centrally, as a #10, but can be used out on the left as well. He seems to be able to find space and retain possession in tight spaces and appears best suited to combination play. He also looks to have the potential to become somewhat of a dead ball specialist. All that said, I expect he'll likely see more time with the Richmond Kickers than with United this year.

What are your thoughts on the signing?

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