Colorado Rapids added experienced midfielder Marcelo Sarvas to their roster on Thursday.

The 33-year-old Brazilian arrives from LA Galaxy along with an international slot. In exchange the Rapids have given their third spot in the allocation rankings and allocation money.

During his MLS career, the skillful Sarvas has been mostly used as a central midfielder but he is capable of playing on either wing as well.

“He is an incredible competitor," said Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni. " He is a leader and, above all else, he wants to win with the group. I could not think of a player that better complements the young talent we have in our side. He commands instant respect. Not with words, solely with actions.

“On the pitch he is going to be an important player for us but also the way he acts and the way he lives his life will be another important aspect for our young group as we continue to build going forward.”

Sarvas is another highly experienced acquisition by the Rapids, in addition to the likes of Michael Harrington, Bobby Burling and Zac MacMath.

“The idea going into the off-season was to get in experience to help the young players. We did not have enough of them. The experienced players we are bringing in will have the physiological immunity to be able to hold the group together in tough times.

“They are also players of character. That will be an important piece as we try and build a group of like-minded individuals and winners.”

Sarvas won MLS Cup for the second time in December, playing all 120 minutes in the Galaxy’s dramatic win over New England Revolution.

Before that, he rose through the ranks at his hometown club, Corinthians, in São Paulo before spending five years in Swedish football. He has also had spells in Poland and Costa Rica, during which time he played in the UEFA Europa League and CONCACAF Champions League.

He arrived at LA Galaxy in 2012, winning MLS Cup that year. In all he amassed 88 appearances for Bruce Arena’s team, scoring nine goals.