Gressel’s strong start earns him favorite status

MLS Rookie of the Year award poll predicts win for German native.

Atlanta United midfielder Julian Gressel is aware he appears to be the favorite to win the MLS Rookie of the Year award at season’s end.

He said he saw a survey of editors, writers and contributors to MLSSoccer.com last week in which six of seven polled predicted he would win the award by virtue of his three goals, six assists and appearances in all 19 regular-season games. He’s the only rookie to do so.

Unlike fans of Atlanta United who wear Gressel-mania T-shirts to honor the German native, he didn’t seem too impressed with the voting.

“I think I’ve had a pretty good first half of the season, but it’s only half,” said Gressel, who was picked eighth by Atlanta United in the January SuperDraft after a standout career at Providence College.

The season’s second half (actually 15 games remaining), when Gressel can solidify his status as top rookie, starts Friday at Orlando City. How Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino uses Gressel in the remaining contests will likely affect his chances for the award.

Though Gressel has started 15

games and shown his versatility with time logged at holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, right midfielder and striker, he may get inadvertently squeezed out of a starting spot.

Josef Martinez, who missed 10 games but has nine goals, is healthy and is a lock to play striker. Miguel Almiron, with eight goals and eight assists, is a lock at attacking midfielder. Hector Villalba, who also has eight goals, is a lock at rightside midfielder. Yamil Asad, who leads the team with nine assists, will start on the left.

At holding midfielder, Jeff Larentowicz and Carlos Carmona have formed a solid partnership.

Martino isn’t one to tinker with the formation, so there won’t be an extra midfielder position popping up anytime soon where Gressel could find a spot.

Asked about Gressel’s role before the 4-2 win against San Jose that sent the team into the Gold Cup break, Martino said: “Julian is and has always been an important player for us. I’m not going to stop counting on him as long as he keeps working with the same level and same attitude. He will always be a part of the roster.”

Injuries, suspensions or players requiring rest could mean that Gressel continues to receive starts. The schedule will get particularly heavy in September, with eight games from the Sept. 10 debut in Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Oct. 3, when the team hosts Minnesota United.

Though a rookie, Gressel is 23 years old and has paired maturity with skill on the field, no matter the position. He finds space in the field to receive the ball, is a good crosser of the ball and uses his size well when defending. He said he used the break to think about how he can improve, including getting better on the ball and being more productive in the final third of the field.

He also said he no longer feels like a rookie.

He doesn’t want to relinquish his starting spot, but understands if he becomes the team’s 12th man. He came off the bench in the win against San Jose and provided an assist in 16 minutes of action.

“I’m fine with that role,” he said. “We want to get into the playoffs as a team. That’s first and foremost my goal.”

FRIDAY’S GAME Atlanta United at Orlando City, 7 p.m., ESPN, 92.9

Julian Gressel has appeared in all 19 games, with three goals and six assists.

MIGUEL MARTINEZ / MUNDOHISPANICO Julian Gressel (middle) has been impressive as a rookie, finding space in the field to receive the ball and using his size well on defense.