Right so, Thiago Almada publicly came out and said that he wanted to leave Atlanta during this window. Which is fine, everyone expected it. Now we figure out who will replace him. This is my Thiago Almada replacement shortlist.
Before we get started, let's go over what Almada is good at and what we need from someone in Almada’s position. To begin with, Almada’s job in this tactic is to create and bring the ball to the final 3rd. Almada has 207 shot creating actions and 33 goal creating actions which is very good. He is also in the 99th percentile for progressive passes, touches and many other things. So, those will be the main things we look at for this shortlist.
First player is Juan Brunetta, AM from Santos Laguna. You might remember him from the first Almada shortlist I did. So far he has 21 g/a in 18 games in this Liga MX Apertura. Brunetta has 120 shot creating actions and 18 goal creating actions this season. You might say “wow 207 is a lot more than 120, xylph!” We have to take into consideration that Almada played 11 more games than Brunetta. Brunetta is in the 99th percentile of SCA per 90(shot creating actions) and Almada is in the 98th percentile. I think Brunetta would be one of the best players in MLS if he were to join us.
Next is Giorgian De Arrascaeta, another player from the Almada shortlist before. GdA is truly a special player and he should be playing at a higher level than Série A. GdA is a great creator and a great attacker in general. If Boca and Garth want to get us a real deal attacking mid to pair with Giakoumakis, GdA is the perfect fit.
Our next player is Raphael Veiga. Raphy (nickname made up by me) was previously rumored to be one of Inter Miami’s first DPs but that never happened. Veiga is one of the key parts in Palmeiras’ system with 59 appearances this season. Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira is leaving to go to Al-Sadd and it could lead Veiga to a move away from the team. Veiga has had 204 SCA and 19 GCA(goal creating actions) this season on top of 34 goal contributions. Like GdA, Veiga would be an instant star in MLS.
The next player on this list is Ricardo Horta. You might have heard this name before. Atlanta United bought out his release clause (17 million) in 2021 but he decided to stay loyal to Braga and re-sign to a 5 year deal. Things could have changed, but I doubt it. It would take a monumental contract to even get his attention but we can always dream.
The last player on this list is Nicolas Lodeiro. ok ok hear me out, he MIGHT be 34 years old BUT he is still a great player. He is a free agent so he might not even be a DP unlike the rest of these players. If you have watched the Sounders, you would see how good this guy is, even at the old age he is at now.
Thanks for reading!
Σχόλια