Several MLS teams have made significant additions to their roster in the past few months, especially during the off season. Unfortunately, the cessation of the 2020 campaign due to the global coronavirus pandemic has meant that fans who follow the league have not had the chance to measure the impact of these newcomers.
It’s a shame, because the last transfer window was particularly interesting. Several teams have spent a lot to get their man. Now everyone has a chance to recover as, despite the uncertainty that remains about COVID-19, the league seems determined to move forward with the “MLS is back” tournament, which must normally begin on July 8.
Without further ado, here are five players who could take advantage of the Florida tournament to win the hearts of their new supporters.
1- Victor Wanyama, midfielder, Impact de Montréal
The hiring of the Kenyan, obtained in March from Tottenham, one of the biggest clubs in England, looks like a smoky blow from the Impact’s sports director, Olivier Renard. The defensive midfielder has only played one game with the Impact since his arrival. But as the tournament approaches, Wanyama, who is a designated player, appears in great shape. At least that’s what teammate Jukka Raitala saw, who didn’t have an easy time against him in training.
“He’s a real warrior,” said the Finn last Thursday. I joked with him last week during a practice. He was protecting the ball and I tried to take it away and he didn’t move at all, so I asked him, “Has a player already succeeded, shoulder to shoulder, in knocking you down?” I can only say positive things about him. It will be very good for us. He’s always calm with the ball and rarely loses it. ”
Wanyama is a big guy, he has experience at the highest level and he immediately makes the Impact more difficult to face.
2- Pablo Piatti, ailier, Toronto FC
While the Impact lost its Piatti in February with the departure of its beloved “Nacho”, Toronto obtained its own with the acquisition of Pablo, who came straight from Espanyol Barcelona and the Spanish first division.
Piatti, like Wanyama on the other hand, returns from a knee injury which reduced his chances of obtaining a satisfactory contract in Europe. But everything would now be in order in this regard. The Argentinian, who is 30 years old, plays in the same position as “Nacho” and brings to the TFC an offensive threat on the flanks, something the club lacked last year. That said, its production has been significantly down in Spain for two seasons. His last solid campaign dates back to 2016-2017. He could nevertheless find his magic touch alongside Jozy Altidore, Jonathan Osorio and other Alejandro Pozuelo …
The Impact, which faces TFC during the group stage in Orlando, had better be wary of it.
3 – Lucas Cavallini, forward, Vancouver Whitecaps
Let’s stay with the Canadian clubs: the Whitecaps also made a very interesting take during the off season in Lucas Cavallini, a Canadian international striker who previously played in the Mexican first division.
The ‘Caps would have paid about $ 5 million to obtain the services of the 27-year-old, who notably scored 11 goals in 17 appearances in the Canadian jersey and 28 others in 81 appearances in Mexico. In Cavallini, Vancouver gets a prominent center-forward that will be one of the centerpieces of the project that Quebec coach Marc dos Santos is trying to build there.
Cavallini has not shaken the ropes in two games with the Whitecaps, but the striker, who has a good build as well as a good technique, should find his rhythm and it is perhaps in Orlando, where a duel against the Seattle Sounders is notably on the schedule, which everything will unlock for him.
4 – Lucas Zelarayan, midfielder, Columbus Crew
Change of guard at Columbus: after the reign of Federico Higuain in midfield, it is the turn of his compatriot Lucas Zelarayan to assume this role. Acquired at a high price after the departure of Higuain, Zelarayan, who is 28, returned from a four-year stay with the Tigers of Monterrey, one of the powers of the Mexican championship.
Like Higuain, Zelarayan will be the conductor of the Crew, under the orders of the renowned American trainer Caleb Porter. Ferryman, dribbler, creator, Zelarayan can also score his share of goals. He has already put one in two appearances under the famous yellow and black jersey.
“There is not a single good team in the world that does not have a” difference maker “who, individually, can make games, observed Porter in March. This is what it brings us. ”
Year after year, the Crew knows how to assemble interesting teams that give their rivals a hard time. Zelarayan will have some good players to combine with. It will be closely watched.
5 – Alan Pulido, forward, Kansas City Sporting
Another player arriving from the Mexican championship, Pulido, who would have cost Sporting 9.5 million, already has two goals and an assist in two games!
At the same time, it is not so surprising: the Mexican, with 12 successes in 18 appearances, was the most prolific scorer in Liga MX in the second part of his season before moving to Kansas City.
Recognized for scoring in important moments, the 29-year-old is the headliner of an attack that produced seven goals in his two MLS games in 2020!
In a group phase where Sporting will face its two biggest rivals, Pulido will be of great help. Always masterfully led by Peter Vermes, the SKC may have what it takes to get to the end of this tournament.
Honorable mentions:
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, striker, Los Angeles Galaxy
The Mexican star was expected for a few years in MLS and arrives in a club where she must more or less forget Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It’s pressure, but “Chicharito” is good and he has seen others.
Franco Jara, striker, FC Dallas
Acquired during the winter, Jara was to join FC Dallas in the summer. There’s a very good chance he’s in Orlando, and we’re talking about a guy who put 83 goals in 169 appearances with Pachuca, Mexico (again).
Jurgen Locadia, forward / winger, FC Cincinnati
On loan from Brighton, an English Premier League club, Locadia is one of the gang of Dutch people who have moved to Cincinnati recently. The club has already extended their loan until June 2021. We love it there.
Robert Beric, attaquant, Fire de Chicago
The Slovenian international, who arrives from St-Etienne in France, is part of a workforce largely overhauled in Chicago. There is potential, now you have to see when the mayonnaise will set.
Rodolfo Pizarro, midfielder, Inter Miami
First designated player in the history of the “David Beckham club”, Pizarro has, as it should be, scored the team’s first goal in MLS and will be featured in the match which will launch the tournament “MLS is back”, between Miami and Orlando.
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