As the 2023 season is closing in, it's time to look at what players will make the starting xi, and there are a lot of close calls. Let us analyze together:
Amar Sejdic, Matheus Rossetto, Emerson Hyndman:
This is by far the most interesting debate of 2023. Sejdic was quality alongside Sosa (who is a guarenteed starter) but still has not resigned with Atlanta United. Matheus Rossetto has been under large amounts of criticism basically his entire tenure in Atlanta. He still has not been performing, even when he wore the armband for many games. Emerson Hyndman has had barely any appearances the last 2 years, and continues to be a huge question mark. I believe Hyndman will be sold because I don't see his use unless we go through another injury crisis. And with Rossetto not being great, I give the edge to Sejdic who hopefully can provide inspiring performances in 2023.
Alan Franco and Juan Jose Purata:
Alan Franco is better than Juan Jose Purata. Yes, I am in the MAJOR minority on this opinion, but I stand by it. But with the recent rumors of club inquiries for Franco, I wouldn’t be surprised if the club goes with the pay cut (Purata) and allocates the cap space for someone else. But if I had to chose, give me Franco.
Brad Guzan and Justin Garces:
If you were forced to pick a partner for your Tuesday night pickle ball round robin, and your options were a 38 year old pickle ball veteran coming off of a Achilles injury, or a 22 year old up and coming player, it would be a tough decision. Enough with the jokes, Guzan is the clear starter. His leadership showed even more critical after we witnessed almost a full season without it in 2022. If all fails though, Garces is a really good option, and will be the future number one after Guz retires.
Caleb Wiley and Andrew Gutman:
So, the most stacked position at Atlanta United is left back. Gutman had a stellar season, proving solid both defensively and attacking wise. Wiley is a future superstar, showing potential at age 17 more than any other player in MLS. Gutman is the answer, but Wiley will get plenty of time since he has a solidified spot on the USMNT U-20s, who will participate in this years U-20 World Cup. Wiley is also a viable option on the left wing, but Edwin Mosquera seems to have that position on lock off the bench.
Jackson Conway and Tristian Trager:
The two shining stars for ATLUTD2 this season, these two create the tightest race for 3rd string striker on the main squad. Trager (23), who signed in June of 2022, scored 8 goals for the 2s. Conway (21) netted 11 in a similar amount of appearances. It’s one of those situations where your heart says Trager should make the jump, but your brain says Conway. If it is Conway’s time, this could be his final straw, since he has lacked the ability to impress when apart of Atlanta United. I’ll go with Conway, his physical presence should help off the bench.
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