Jesus Bueno Turning Into Key Piece of Philadelphia Union Midfield

The Venezuelan has been used a defensive closer off the bench in 2023.

CHESTER — Jesus Bueno played just 41 minutes in his first two seasons with the Philadelphia Union.

The Venezuelan midfielder far eclipsed his previous totals with 119 minutes spread over eight matches in league play so far in 2023.

The 24-year-old started to receive praise from Union manager Jim Curtin in preseason, and that has continued three full months in to the 2023 campaign.

“He’s been better and better every day in training,” Curtin said. “I use him as an example to the players. He’s a guy who could be really pissed that he doesn’t play more minutes, but instead he comes to work every day, is a great teammate, works his tail off and is going to get some starts in the coming weeks, for sure, but everything he’s been asked to do, whether it’s five minutes, 10 minutes or as a starter, he’s been excellent and I’m really proud of the season he’s had.”