Lion Player Profiles: Gustavo

As we told you yesterday, Orlando City SC has signed a new defender that goes by the nickname, "The Refrigerator." Gustavo Silva Conceição, as he is known by his real full name, the newest Lions defender is expected to be a starter for Adrian Heath's squad come March. When it comes to this decision, however, there is still a few factors that the coaching staff must consider.

First off, Gustavo is a 28-year-old, 6-foot-1, 200-pounder. As you may well imagine, he got his nickname from his frame. Due to his size, his playing style is physical. In the highlight video that Orlando City posted, he spent most of his time on the ground, making crunching slide tackles. He will definitely be an enforcer in the Lions' back four, keeping opposing attackers away from goal.

The next thing to keep in mind is his playing record. He is considered a journeyman around Brazil. After starting his career with Tigres do Brasil in 2007, Gustavo went on eight different loan spells around the league, most recently playing with Vila Nova of the second division. He has also spent time with with Boavista, Ceará and AC Goianiense, as well as top flight Flamengo since 2011.

Although he was loaned out multiple times, The Fridge consistently received playing time at his different clubs. Since 2011, the defender has played in 79 league games and has started all 79, while scoring two goals.

While that's all well and good, the worry about Gustavo coming to Orlando is his "aggressive" playing style. Some commenters on the MLSSoccer.com story spoke out about his rash challenges or his potential to receive a yellow or even red card.

There was also this incident a few years ago.

Again, this was back in 2011 and he has had a few years to mature, but it still makes some fans wary of the player that the coaches have brought in. However, Orlando fans must believe in what Heath and his staff are putting together. After all.....