[MLS] If losing midfielder Dax McCarty and forwards Atiba Harris and Jeff Cunningham in the aftermath a 2-1 loss to Colorado in MLS Cup 2010 worried FC Dallas fans, the news shortly before Christmas that Colombian playmaker David Ferreira has agreed to a long-term contract brought extra joy to their holidays.

“He’s MVP of the league and a guy that really was one of the key parts of our team finding the success to be in the MLS championship game," FCD coach Schellas Hyndman said in a team press release. "How do you keep a guy like that because there are obviously a lot of offers out there? I really thank ownership for stepping up and doing what we needed to do to keep him in an FC Dallas uniform."

Ferreira came to FCD in 2009 through the team’s partnership with Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense, After scoring eight goals and logging seven assists in his debut season, he drove FCD to its first appearance in the championship game and earned the Most Valuable Player Award, which prompted a multi-year deal. Terms were not disclosed.

 “I’ve always said that I felt great with this team,” Ferreira said. “I felt like I was at home. The support of the coaching staff was very important in the confidence it gave me when I was on the field. That’s why I wanted to remain with the team.”

Ferreira, 31, scored eight goals, led FCD with 13 assists, and in addition to the MVP award was named to the league’s Best XI.

“He’s an all-around, complete player,” said team captain Daniel Hernandez during the season. “He’s an attacking player, a withdrawn forward, but he helps us out a lot on the defensive side. He does it all. He makes passes, he scores game-tying or game-winning goals in the last few seconds of games. He does it all over the field for us.

“He’s been unbelievable this year, without a doubt the MVP of the league, and is well-deserving. To play every single game and to do it in the fashion he’s done is what an MVP is supposed to be. Every team knows what a great player he is, but he finds those spaces, he finds his ways to get the ball, and make space for himself. He only needs an inch or a second to make a crucial pass. I don’t know what else to say.”

Other facets of Ferreira’s play appreciated by coaches, teammates and fans are his durability and consistency. Since coming to MLS he’s started every league and playoff game, a total of 64 appearances in which he’s missed only nine minutes of play.

McCarty was the first player taken in the Expansion Draft; Portland claimed him and then traded him to D.C. United. Harris went to Vancouver three picks later. Columbus claimed Cunningham in Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft, though he and the club have been reported to be “far apart” in negotiating a deal.

There are no such worries regarding Ferreira in Dallas. Said Hernandez after the deal was announced, ““He was a vital part of our team and our success this year. He’s worth every penny, whatever it is. I’m glad they were able to get him back because our team wouldn’t have had that success without him.”