Philippe Senderos made great impression during Dynamo trial

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Philippe Senderos' trial with the Dynamo lasted only a week, but it did not take that long for him to make a great first impression.

From the moment he arrived in the locker room, coach Wilmer Cabrera said, Senderos' presence stood out. The 32-year old center back has played with big clubs like Arsenal and AC Milan and in three FIFA World Cups for Switzerland.

His experiences throughout Europe allow him to be comfortable in almost any situation. He was so comfortable during his trial from July 24-29 that he was directing players during training.

"That was impressive," Cabrera said Monday after the Dynamo announced Senderos' signing. "That is something the players recognize how he came in, asked their name and he was talking with the guys in English and Spanish. The influence of him on the players is great."

The Dynamo peg Senderos as a leader who can help the team in the locker room and provide depth along the back line. Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan said Senderos had offers from other clubs and that the Dynamo sold him on their long-term project.

In addition to getting to know Senderos up close and personal during his trial, Jordan said he noticed Senderos is "tactically very aware" and that he is "clean with his distribution."

"We don't feel pressure that we have to sign anybody," Jordan said. "We want to find the right guys who are the right fit and part of what we're working toward. He fits in well and complements our very talented defenders."

Switzerland's Philippe Senderos celebrates after scoring against Turkey during their World Cup 2006 European zone, first leg play-off qualifying soccer match at the Stade de Suisse Wankdorf stadium in Berne, Switzerland, November 12, 2005. REUTERS SCHWEIZ/Stefan Wermuth less Switzerland's Philippe Senderos celebrates after scoring against Turkey during their World Cup 2006 European zone, first leg play-off qualifying soccer match at the Stade de Suisse Wankdorf stadium in Berne, ... more Photo: STR, REUTERS Photo: STR, REUTERS Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Philippe Senderos made great impression during Dynamo trial 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

Cabrera said Senderos' experience on the world's biggest stage sets him apart from other players the Dynamo could have signed. It immediately commands respect from his teammates who now have another player they must compete with for playing time.

"It is not easy to get a player who has played in three World Cups," Cabrera said. "He can give us his experiences. He can talk with anyone on the field because he is a natural leader...He's a great professional. The way he talks, the way he organizes is something we need.

"He is going to improve all aspects our locker room. We are excited because our team is going to be better and the competition internally is going to be better."