2016 will be a transitional year for the Philadelphia Union midfield. The sales of Cristian Maidana, Andrew Wenger and Zack Pfeffer, coupled with the additions of Chris Pontius and Walter Restrepo proved the Union’s desire for an aggressive change in the midfield. Meanwhile Philadelphia used its 6th overall pick in the MLS Superdraft to obtain attacking midfielder Fabien Herbers.
Will the sale of the Maidana – together with his 15 assists –impede the Union’s creativity in the midfield? Can Restrepo successfully make the leap from NASL to MLS? Will Pfeffer blossom from a change of scenery away from Philadelphia? Sporting Director Earnie Stewart and Head Coach Jim Curtin have made some big moves this offseason in the midfield. Will the changes move the Union up in the MLS standings?
The Union could see a line-up with three central midfielders next year, a change from 2015’s two center midfielders with Maidana acting as a second forward. Barnetta could replace Maidana as the creative spark in the midfield. The energetic Swiss midfielder, however, works much harder defensively which makes him a more valuable defensive asset.
Part of the problem with Maidana’s second forward role was the challenge it presented for the Union’s 2 central midfielders in covering the backline. French midfielder Vincent Noguiera has great flair and offensive capabilities, but is by no means a defensive midfielder. Pairing him with Pfeffer or even Barnetta created holes in the midfield that could be exploited by good teams.
Now that the Union has greater defensive cover, defensive midfielder Maurice Edu finally can be brought from center back to his natural position in the midfield. In the first game of the season we should see Barnettta and Noguiera in the midfield, supported by Edu at defensive mid. Herbers will be a likely sub in for a late offensive push if needed.
Meanwhile, veteran Brian Carroll will return this year as cover at center mid. Depth may end up being problematic for the Philadelphia midfield as a single injury to any of the three starters could be detrimental for the season. When Noguiera was injured last year, the play deteriorated until his return over a month later.
Outside midfielders may end up being Philadelphia’s Achilles heel.
Veteran Sebastian Le Toux will lead the lines on the right hand side, while the newly-signed Pontius could get early action on the left, and maybe centrally as well. This would allow eighteen year-old Cameroonian Eric Ayuk more time to develop, as his blistering pace is something Philadelphia in recent years has lacked on the wings.
Restrepo will be the wild card for the Union. He had success on the wings for NASL powerhouse NY Cosmos. If Restrepo can bring that same success to the MLS, he will become an instant contributor for Philadelphia.
The Union midfield looks strong on paper, but we will have to wait until the preseason games begin before making a more conclusive assessment. Centrally, there is good reason to be excited about the possibilities, but the outside midfielders might end up being highly volatile.
The newly-reconfigured Union has the potential for a strong season, but will the pieces need to fall together for Philadelphia? Will the changes made to the team improve or undermine the squad? Will 2016 be a rebuilding effort, or will we see Philadelphia sprint from the gates? I have a feeling this season won’t see the Union as title contenders, but that Philadelphia will be punching above their proverbial weight to dig themselves out of the dredges of MLS obscurity.
