JOINING THE CLUB
New faces expected to fill key roles for NYCFC
New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira is supposed to be getting comfortable in his second season. Instead, a sudden influx of new players is testing his composure entering the 2017 campaign.
“Of course, I’m concerned,” Vieira said, when asked if he is worried about the chemistry of NYCFC’s new-look roster, “because of the players arriving late for different reasons. It’s my responsibility with the staff to make them feel at home as soon as possible.”
With 12 new faces joining the club this offseason, many are expected to fill the starting 11 when they kick off the season at Orlando City FC on Sunday (5 p.m., ESPN).
Five of the new players hail from foreign countries scattered across Europe and South America. Mixing players of different backgrounds with little time to adapt creates a cultural puzzle that Vieira finds challenging.
“I think when you look at the number of players who’ve arrived, especially some of them who arrived the last few days, it’s not what I wanted,” said Vieira, who led NYCFC to its first playoff appearance last season.
Though late arrivals aren’t ideal, it is a sign NYCFC shed its dead-weight from Jason Kreis’ expansion roster. An infusion of youth and flash was Vieira’s focus this offseason — and he did just that, especially on the offensive end.
Additions such as Maxi Moralez, an elusive midfielder signed as a Designated Player from Club Leon, is someone who can add to NYCFC’s lethal attack, which led MLS with 62 goals last season. The 30-yearold is expected to play central midfield, but Vieira said he can play anywhere in the 4-3-3 formation. The 5-foot-3 midfielder comes with much fanfare, and he said he isn’t afraid of the pressures that come with the Designated Player tag.
“It’s a big responsibility to be with two big stars like [David] Villa and [ Andrea] Pirlo,” Moralez said through a translator. “But I don’t feel pressure. I’ve won throughout my career, but I want to enjoy it with the younger players on the team. I just want to show everyone why they brought me to NYCFC.”
NYCFC also added Manchester City loanee Yangel Herrera and Finnish international Alexander Ring — who, along with Moralez, figure to slot into the starting lineup. The new offen- sive signings give NYCFC quality depth, something they have lacked the past two seasons.
But offense wasn’t the talking point from last season, it was the abysmal defense. Though it continued to look troubling during preseason friendlies, NYCFC think they have found a solution. Peruvian centerback Alexander Callens, who was purchased from Spanish side Numancia, is expected to slot next to Maxime Chanot — with Frederic Brillant and Ethan White providing additional rotation options if things turn sour.
But perhaps NYCFC’s most important signing is winger Rodney Wallace. The MLS veteran
provides healthy competition and depth on the left-side for players such as Ronald Matarrita and Jack Harrison, where his versatility gives Vieira options on offense and defense. He knows all about the recurring defensive problems — and how Vieira wants to fix it.
“[Vieira] wants to defend from the front, and that’s one of my strongest qualities,” said Wallace, who comes over from Brazil’s Sport Recife. “I’m very organized, and I know when it’s time to press and make the opposition feel uncomfort- able so we can get the ball back and start the attack.”
Luckily for Vieira, this newfound depth provides options he didn’t have last year. He also has a stern message for those who might think they’re guaranteed playing time.
“I think we have better players overall this year,” Vieira said. “Last year, we didn’t have so many choices. It’s a young group and we have two or three really good players at each position. That means, if you want to play you have to be at your best.”