Christopher Cuellar is one of the best players from the Chicago, Illinois area in the Class of 2019.
The 5-foot-6, 140-pound Cuellar, who attends Morton High School, is a dynamic player that works as a left back for the Indiana Elite FC.
No matter the opponent, every match Cuellar is determined to give it his all.
Cuellar is going all out.
The motor is always at full throttle whenever Cuellar steps between the lines.
“My mindset in my position is to play with my left wing and make plays and move the ball up, also give crosses to the forwards so they can finish,” Cuellar said. “Basically playing offensively too and dropping back to defense.”
Cuellar has great passion and energy whenever he’s on the field. Cuellar tells why he enjoys the game of soccer so much.
“What I love the most about playing is I have been playing since I was 5 years old and just stepping into the field or even practicing,” Cuellar said. “It just clears my mind and the only thing I am thinking about is the game.”
Cuellar has learned many valuable lessons from playing soccer that he applies to his everyday life.
The main one is applying perspective to all situations.
“Playing has taught me that it is a team sport,” Cuellar said. “Communication is a huge key in the game and without that you can’t play soccer.”
Cuellar recalls his favorite soccer memory.
“My favorite memory playing is being state champs two times with my teammates that I have been playing with for years,” Cuellar said. “It is a special achievement that I will never forget.”
Novi Marojevic has been Cuellar’s coach for the Indiana Elite for the last five years.
Marojevic explains the best parts of Cuellar’s game.
“Chris can play numerous position on defense, but the most beneficial position for himself and the team is at left full back. He’s a very comfortable player on the ball, which isn’t usual with most of the defenders. Usually defensive players are more physical and less skillful, but with Chris this isn’t an issue at all,” Marojevic said. “He is a type of defender who can create for a number of players going in offensive transition. He is so very smart and is a tough defender.”
Cuellar takes his role as one of the leaders on the team very seriously. Cuellar makes sure he’s a daily positive influence on his peers.
“I demonstrate being a good teammate by hustling and also not bringing down my teammates but push them to play harder,” Cuellar said. “The best advice I have given my teammates is to never give up because anything can happen in a game.”
Marojevic adds that Cuellar is one of those consummate teammates that every squad needs to be successful.
“Chris is a very humble person who is capable of fitting in any team or club,” Marojevic said. “He is a very friendly and positive influence on his teammates. He has a great effect on the team.”
Cuellar is appreciative of having amazing male role models that are supportive.
“I have learned from my coaches how to be a better player and person. What I have learned from my coaches is to play simple, keep the ball in the ground and let the ball do the work,” Cuellar said. “The best advice my coach has given me is how you warm up is how you will play.”
Marojevic is an advocate of Cuellar’s capabilities.
“Chris is a player who is capable to play on high college division. He has great soccer IQ , so I’m sure he will play college ball,” Marojevic said. “He has made so many important plays to help us to victory.”
In addition to making clutch plays, Cuellar also has a high level of soccer IQ as well.
Cuellar has excellent awareness that puts him in position to thrive.
“He is a very intelligent player for his position. He is very difficult to take on,” Marojevic said. “He reads the game very well , so as a coach you can always count on him.”
Cuellar is on the grind to perfect and hone his craft in any way possible.
“I did not see many players at his position who put more effort on the game or practice than him. He was born to a winner,” Marojevic said. “He is the player who plays at a high level consistently every single game. He has amazing work ethic.”
Cuellar greatly admires this standout.
“A pro I look up to is Marcelo,” Cuellar said. “I look up to him because he is also a left-back but he also plays offensively and gives assist to the forwards.”
Cuellar is constantly striving for greatness in everything that he does.
“My goal on and off the field is to play college soccer and go into business,” Cuellar said. “I want to make my family proud of me in everything that I do on and off the field.”
Cuellar explains his collegiate aspirations.
“My dream college is IUB because of how big and diverse it is and also because it is the best public business school,” Cuellar said.
Cuellar lists math as his favorite subject in school.
“I like working with numbers,” Cuellar said. “Although it is difficult at times I tend to always understand it.”
Marojevic believes Cuellar is determined take his his game to the next level.
“Coaching Chris for many years and watching him growing as a player, I can say without any doubt, I don’t see any weaknesses in him,” Marojevic said. “He has speed, physical abilities, skill, he understands the game well. He is a complete player.”
Marojevic believes the sky is the limit as long as Cuellar continues to stay hungry.
“I’m very confident that he has potential to play at a Division I school. He is a very easy going person. He makes my job even easier because he is true leader,” Marojevic said. “It is a pleasure to work with someone like Chris. He is a player that every coach wants on their team.”
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