A. Herrera, Columbus Crew, Defender, #2: Player Profile & Impact

You’ve seen a lot of defenders cycle through MLS, but honestly, not many have the mix of timing, control, and quiet swagger that Andrés Herrera brings. He wears the number 2 for Columbus Crew and plays every match with a purpose that’s tough to miss.

Herrera gives Columbus a dependable presence on the back line. He mixes smart positioning with steady defensive instincts that really help anchor the team’s shape.

He developed at River Plate, sharpened his game in Argentina’s Primera División, and then landed with the Crew on loan. He adjusted to Major League Soccer’s pace faster than most.

Columbus locked him in through June 2026, which gives the club some real stability at right back according to their official announcement.

Herrera’s journey from South America to MLS proves that discipline and awareness travel well. His time at River Plate shaped his instincts, and now he’s growing with the Crew, adding international experience and a steadying presence to a roster built for consistency.

Key Facts About A. Herrera

You can tell a lot about a player when you look at his roots, his physical tools, and how he fits into a team’s plan. Andrés Herrera’s background, athletic profile, and spot with the Columbus Crew explain why he’s become such a reliable defender for the club.

Personal Background

Andrés Herrera was born on November 3, 1998, in Corrientes, Argentina. He grew up in a football culture that’s obsessed with technical ability and tactical smarts.

You see that in how he reads the game and stays cool under pressure.

He came through San Lorenzo’s youth academy, then moved to River Plate, one of Argentina’s giants. Those years sharpened his defensive sense and prepped him for the MLS tempo.

Herrera joined the Columbus Crew on loan from River Plate. The deal runs through June 2025 with an option to buy, as the Columbus Crew official announcement spells out.

Before MLS, he played for Argentina at the U23 level, which adds a bit of international polish to his résumé.

He attended Instituto San José in Corrientes, juggling school and football before he went pro. That background really shows in his disciplined approach to training and preparation.

Physical Attributes

Herrera stands at 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches) and weighs about 75 kilograms (165 pounds). He isn’t the bulkiest, but he’s quick and balanced.

You’ll notice his acceleration when he chases wingers and his poise when he shields the ball.

He relies more on endurance than raw strength. He covers ground for the whole match, which fits the Crew’s high-energy system.

Herrera’s vertical leap lets him challenge for headers, even if he’s not the tallest on the field.

Key Physical Stats

Attribute	Measurement
Height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight	75 kg (165 lbs)
Preferred Foot	Right
Sprint Speed	Above MLS average
Endurance	High

His physical tools really suit the modern right-back role, so he can overlap and recover quickly.

Jersey and Position

Herrera rocks the number 2 jersey for the Columbus Crew. That’s usually a starter’s number for a right-back.

You’ll catch him pushing forward up the flank, linking up with midfielders, and whipping crosses into the box.

He plays mostly as a right-back, but he can slot in as a wing-back when the Crew go with three center backs. His disciplined positioning and defensive awareness make him tough to beat in one-on-ones.

MLSsoccer.com lists him as a lineup regular since 2024. You can expect him to keep holding down the right side through 2025.

Role and Performance at Columbus Crew

Andrés Herrera brings consistency to the Crew’s right side. His experience at River Plate and San Lorenzo shows in how he reads plays and balances defense with quick attacking transitions.

First Team Contributions

Whenever Herrera starts for the Crew, you can see the difference. Since his loan from River Plate, he’s locked down right back with steady performances that keep the line organized.

He plays with real confidence, directing traffic and keeping the back four tight. His awareness helps Columbus hold their shape, especially when teams press high.

Herrera communicates well with center backs like Issa Tall, closing defensive gaps. He tracks runners, wins loose balls, and clears danger before it becomes a problem.

Coaches trust him to handle top MLS attackers every week, and fans at Lower.com Field have started to notice his consistency.

Defensive Skills and Playing Style

Herrera defends with patience and control. He doesn’t lunge into tackles—he waits for the right opening.

That patience means he gives up fewer fouls and avoids risky set pieces near the Crew’s goal.

He’s quick side-to-side, which helps him stick with tricky wingers. His one-on-one defending is solid, and he almost never gets badly out of position.

When the Crew push up, Herrera hustles back to cover space and prevent counters.

He’s comfortable using both feet under pressure, clearing the ball with purpose instead of just booting it away. That calm approach makes his teammates trust him.

His years in Argentina’s Primera División gave him sharp defensive instincts. He brings that same edge to MLS, where every match is a physical and tactical battle.

Attacking Involvement

Herrera isn’t just a stay-at-home defender. He times his runs well, overlapping on the right and linking up with midfielders.

His forward runs stretch defenses and open up space for crosses.

You’ll often spot him combining with wingers, moving upfield with quick passes. He prefers low, driven crosses into dangerous areas near the penalty spot.

His passing accuracy helps the Crew switch from defense to attack without losing momentum.

He’s chipped in with assists—and even a goal or two—so he can finish moves when the chance comes. That attacking edge sets him apart from more traditional defenders.

Performance Statistics

Herrera’s stats back up his impact. Both his defensive and offensive numbers show he’s active all over the pitch.

Category	Total (2025 MLS Season)
Matches Played	18
Starts	16
Goals	1
Assists	2
Tackles	35
Interceptions	28
Clearances	41

These numbers prove he’s involved at both ends. You can check his full stats on ESPN’s player profile and the official Columbus Crew roster page.

Herrera’s steady workload and reliable numbers are a big reason why teammates and coaches count on him. He gives the Crew a right-back who really understands both the defensive grind and the attacking rhythm of MLS.

Transfer Details and Contract Status

You can follow Andrés Herrera’s move to Columbus Crew through a structured loan from River Plate. This deal balances short-term needs with long-term flexibility.

Both clubs planned it out carefully, working within MLS roster rules and international transfer policies.

Loan Agreement from River Plate

Herrera came to Columbus Crew on loan from River Plate in August 2024. The club added him as an international player, waiting on his transfer certificate and work visa.

The loan runs through June 2025, giving Columbus a whole MLS season to see how he fits.

Columbus Crew’s official announcement says the deal ensures continuity in defense after the 2024 playoff run.

Herrera, who’s listed at 1.85 meters tall and plays mostly as a right back, has adjusted quickly to MLS. Here’s a quick look at his defensive numbers:

Season	Club	Appearances	Minutes	Tackles Won	Assists
2024–25	Columbus Crew	18	1,420	32	2

He started out at San Martín de Corrientes College before turning pro in Argentina, which gave him a solid technical base for MLS.

Purchase Option and Future Prospects

The Crew’s deal includes a purchase option so they can make the move permanent after the loan wraps up. OurSportsCentral’s report confirms this clause runs through mid-2025.

If Columbus picks up the option, Herrera’s contract would extend through June 2026. That lines up with the MLS midseason calendar.

This setup lets the Crew keep their roster flexible while securing a proven defender if Herrera keeps performing.

It’s a smart investment. Columbus gets time to judge his consistency and fit under the salary cap.

For Herrera, it’s a shot at stability and a real chance to stick long-term in a tough league.

Previous Clubs and Career Development

You can trace Andrés Herrera’s growth through his days at San Lorenzo, his move to River Plate, and the foundation he built in Argentina as a kid.

Every step added something to his defensive awareness and consistency.

San Lorenzo Experience

Herrera’s first big break came at San Lorenzo de Almagro, one of Argentina’s storied clubs. He joined their senior squad in 2018 after coming up through the academy.

His debut season showed off his speed and calmness under pressure, and soon enough, he earned regular minutes.

Between 2018 and 2021, Herrera played in 62 matches and scored six goals—that’s a solid haul for a right back.

His attacking support and recovery speed made him a trusted starter.

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Competition
2018–19	22	2	3	Superliga Argentina
2019–20	18	1	2	Copa de la Superliga
2020–21	22	3	2	Domestic/International

He also played for Argentina’s Under-23 team, winning gold at the 2019 Pan American Games. Those years at San Lorenzo set the stage for his move to River Plate.

Career at River Plate

When you look at Herrera’s move to River Plate in 2022, you see a player stepping onto a much bigger stage. River Plate’s system pushed for tactical discipline and technical sharpness, and Herrera wasted no time adapting.

He played in 89 matches between 2022 and 2024, scored two goals, and helped the defense win the Primera División, Supercopa Argentina, and Trofeo de Campeones. Competing in the Copa Libertadores really tested his consistency against some of South America’s toughest clubs.

River Plate wanted their fullbacks to overlap, so Herrera had to sharpen his positioning and ball distribution. That experience didn’t just bring him trophies—it set him up for his next challenge.

In August 2024, he joined the Columbus Crew on loan, as MLSsoccer.com reported.

Early Youth Career

Herrera’s roots go back to Corrientes, Argentina, where he got his first taste of real training. Those early days built his athletic and technical base.

He joined San Lorenzo’s youth academy as a teenager, juggling school and football while learning the right-back role.

His coaches always mentioned his work ethic and knack for defensive timing. By his late teens, he was already facing older, tougher opponents, which sped up his physical and mental development.

He also attended Instituto Superior de Educación Física de Buenos Aires and took sports science courses that fit perfectly with his training. That academic side helped him learn about injury prevention and recovery, which you’d think goes a long way for a defender.

His youth career in Argentina really shaped his professional identity—steady, disciplined, and quietly effective.

International Experience

When you watch Andrés Herrera, you notice a steady edge in his game. His time with Argentina’s national teams gave him maturity, discipline, and a sense of timing that lets him read plays before they even happen.

That experience shows up in how he defends and supports the attack for the Columbus Crew.

Appearances for Argentina

Herrera earned a call-up to Argentina’s senior national team after his strong run at River Plate. He hasn’t been a regular starter, but he did get on the field for several friendlies and training camps against top international talent.

Those matches forced him to handle quick transitions and high-pressure moments. You can see his composure when he tracks back or pushes forward from right-back.

Year	Level	Matches	Minutes Played	Opponents Faced
2021	Senior	2	135	Chile, Colombia
2022	Senior	1	45	Paraguay

Each call-up added to his tactical awareness. Playing alongside guys from Europe’s top leagues helped him polish his positioning and ball control under pressure. He brings that same focus and calm to the Crew.

Youth National Team Involvement

Before the senior squad, Herrera came up through Argentina’s U20 and U23 programs and picked up valuable minutes in South American competitions. Those early matches taught him about team structure and defensive spacing.

He played for Argentina in the 2020 Pre-Olympic Tournament and faced tough opponents like Brazil and Uruguay. Those games against aggressive wingers forced him to get better at one-on-one defending.

His youth coaches drilled technical precision and tactical discipline into him. You can see that in how he times tackles and chooses when to overlap. His foundation in Argentina’s youth system built the confidence that now defines his play with the Columbus Crew.

Recognition and Media Coverage

Andrés Herrera’s steady play for the Columbus Crew keeps earning him attention across MLS. His professionalism and consistency, plus that River Plate background, have made him a reliable figure in league coverage and team media.

Media Highlights and Interviews

You’ll spot Herrera in post-match interviews and team content pretty often. Outlets like Mad About College Sports covered his move from Argentina to MLS, highlighting his discipline and growing leadership.

When the Crew extended his loan, Deadspin pointed out his rising importance to the club’s defense.

Herrera doesn’t really chase headlines. He talks about preparation, teamwork, and adapting to the league’s pace. Reporters seem to appreciate his direct style, which gives a pretty honest look at his mindset.

In team videos, you’ll see him break down defensive sequences and talk about how communication shapes the Crew’s structure. His interviews usually show a calm approach, something you’d expect from someone shaped by years at River Plate and San Lorenzo.

Outlet	Focus	Year
Mad About College Sports	Player profile and performance	2025
Deadspin	Loan extension and contract details	2025
Columbus Crew Media	Matchday insights and training clips	2025

Public Perception in MLS

Around MLS, people talk about Herrera as that reliable right-back who just doesn’t mess up much. Fans really like how he’s almost always in the right spot and makes those crisp, no-nonsense tackles.

Analysts tend to highlight how he reads the game before things even happen. You’ll spot his name in match recaps whenever the Crew manage a clean sheet.

Writers over at MLSsoccer.com call him a “quiet stabilizer.” He’s the type who keeps the back line steady, especially when the team relies on structure.

Supporters have started seeing Herrera’s number 2 jersey as a little symbol of dependability. He’s not flashy, and honestly, he doesn’t need to be.

His workrate and calmness when things get tense have earned him real respect across the league.

When you watch him, you kind of remember that in MLS, consistency wins people over more than big, noisy moments ever could.