There is one thing for certain. Repeating as MLS Cup champion is a hard thing to do. Only three teams have been able to do it since the creation of the league. Can New York City Football Club follow in the steps of LA Galaxy, Houston Dynamo, and D.C United? The possibility exists and even if they do not win the Cup again, they are likely to do some damage in the league and in other competitions. Ronny Deila returns a strong core of the squad that won it all last year. The loss of James Sands and Jesus Medina and the almost assured loss of Valentin Castellanos in the summer are the biggest questions for the team moving into 2022.
James Sands gave Deila a player who could operate effectively in many areas of the pitch with the young homegrown player playing holding midfielder, center back and right back last season. His partnership with Keaton Parks ( returning from blood clot surgery) gave NYCFC one of the most effective double pivots in the game last year. Alfredo Morales or Nicolas Acevedo seem to be the heir apparents to replace Sands in midfield. Each player has operated effectively in the position and seems primed to take a more extensive role this season. Morales was instrumental in the team’s run to the Cup last season and seems to be the natural pairing with Parks when he returns.
Oct 23, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York City FC players celebrate after a goal against D.C. United during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
David Lee reached into City Football Group’s extensive club network and signed a new DP in Thiago Martins. The Brazilian center back has great pace and skill with the ball. He gives NYCFC much needed depth at the back allowing the team to operate in a back three formation like they did with Sands at times. It is a risky move by Lee as only three teams in the league have center backs as designated players. Often times the big money is spent on flashier positions, but Lee has done an outstanding job with roster creation so far and doubtless knows what he is doing. Head coach, Ronny Deila said ” He was our first choice all along. We have been wanting to bring him here for a while now and this seemed the perfect time. We are glad to have him.” Martins certainly provides a viable back up to arguable the best center back pairing in the league. Maxim Chanot and Alexander Callens both are getting older and have missed games due to national team commitments. Martins seems like a perfect back up or even eventual starter.
How do you replace a player like Castellanos? You don’t. You won’t find a like-for-like player that will give you the kind of work rate and goal production on the bench for NYCFC, but there are some viable options available. Heber was the starter for Deila before his injury gave Castellanos an opportunity up top and looks to be a bigger part of the club this season. It remains to be seen if he has recovered all his pre-injury magic but he will be an important part of the goal production this year. The young superstar Talles Magno has shown flashes of brilliance in his time with the club so far but needs to be more consistent in his performances. He scored the game winner for NYCFC against Philadelphia last year in the MLS Cup semifinals and if he continues to develop with doubtless be a star for the club. Delia has spoken several times about how the club needs to enjoy having Magno while they do because he is destined for big things. For now, though, the position is Castellanos’ and he picked up right where he left off this last week in CONCACAF Champions league, scoring two goals in the first thirty minutes against Santos de Guapiles in Costa Rica. If Castellanos stays until the summer window then the team have a good chance to do what no other MLS club have managed to do and win the Champions League. He is that much of a game changer.
Nov 21, 2021; Bronx, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Valentin Castellanos (11) plays the ball against Atlanta United midfielder Ezequiel Barco (8) during the second half in a round one MLS Playoff game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Elsewhere on the pitch, NYCFC remain dangerous securing Maxi Moralez’s return this year as a non-DP. Moralez is one of the best assist men in the league and looked like a new player toward the end of last season. His experience combined with the talent and speed of his companion in the midfield, Santiago Rodriguez, should give opposing teams headaches trying to figure out how to slow down the attack.
Several players on the bench look to have a much bigger role this season as well. Gedion Zelalem has long been a player heralded as an incredibly talented prospect and he is finally healthy and up to speed. He started the match this last week in Costa Rica and looked sharp. He will see plenty of time until Parks returns to the starting line and if he does will will even push Parks for time in the double pivot. At the very least he is a player with good vision and skill that can make a difference at the end of games. Thiago Andrade is the last Brazilian looking for a big year. He showed real flashes last year and his pace is something to cause opposing teams problems. He is still developing and looks to be a big part of the end of this season once Castellanos makes his move to a bigger club.
Jun 27, 2021; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; New York City FC forward Talles Magno (43) plays the ball during the second half of a game between D.C. United and NYCFC at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
All in all, NYCFC will be dangerous for any team to face this year. Their tactics will continue to lead to chance creation and they should have a greater ability to capitalize on those chances this year. They have proven they can beat anyone anywhere. This year they will play more games at home and have made Yankee Stadium a fortress in the past. The whole Eastern Conference has gotten better this year though and with New England and Toronto adding huge new signings NYCFC will look to challenge for the Supporter’s Shield or finish in the top three in the East. Look for their record this year to be even better than last year but where they finish will be dependent on how much damage they can do against the better teams this year. One thing is for sure, no team will look forward to facing them. They have the potential to add more silverware to their cabinet this year. If it is another MLS Cup, Supporter’s Shield, CONCACAF champs or US Open Cup remains to be seen. Their ceiling is high and it looks like the floor is as well. Barring unforeseen developments. NYCFC fans should enjoy 2022.
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