Carlos Gruezo is a tenacious and tactically astute defensive midfielder for Liga MX's Santos Laguna and the Ecuadorian national team, renowned for his ball-winning abilities and intelligent positioning. The 172 cm midfielder began his career in Ecuador before a high-profile move to Europe, where he excelled in the German Bundesliga with Stuttgart and later in Major League Soccer with FC Dallas. His career highlights include being a regular starter in one of Europe's top leagues, representing Ecuador at multiple Copa América tournaments and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and now anchoring the midfield for a top Mexican club. With Santos Laguna, he has already tasted success, competing for Liga MX titles and adding a steely presence to their engine room. Individually, his performances have consistently earned him a place among Ecuador's most important players. Known for his quiet leadership and relentless work rate, Gruezo's style is defined by breaking up play and initiating attacks with simple, effective passes. He is a modern midfield destroyer with valuable international experience.