NYCFC Add Defensive Depth With Federico Bravo

NYC FC added some defensive depth through Federico Bravo

While New York City FC may not fully believe that defense wins championships, as last season they went out and purchased David Villa, Frank Lampard, and Andrea Pirlo to be the leaders for their club. Today, though, they took strides in the right direction by bringing in Boca Juniors youngster Federico Bravo on loan for the 2016 MLS season in a move that will add depth on defense.

Bravo, who is only 22 years of age, has already accumulated experience far above what his age shows, as he has made 37 appearances for Boca Juniors, all of which have come since 2013. However, while Bravo is still young, he is looking for consistent playing time on the field, which is one of the few reasons why he is extremely excited to be playing for NYCFC.

"“In Boca, I haven’t been able to do that and it’s difficult,” said Bravo. “That’s why this team has shown a lot of interest in me. The United States, it is growing a lot with the big name players of the team I am joining."

In addition to looking for more playing time, he feels as though this is an opportune time for him to learn from some of the greats that are currently at NYCFC while still being challenged by the rest of the league.

"“I’ve had offers but the one that has interested me the most is New York City,” Bravo said. “It can be a great experience. It is a country on the global level that is very advanced, to be in New York, to learn the language, to play with three or four very important players, to learn from them as well … I feel I can go there and get the starting minutes I am not getting here so I think it can be positive.”"

Currently, the NYCFC roster is in massive need of some reconstruction across the defensive third, head coach Patrick Vieira was delighted to have signed this young versatile defensive midfielder.

"“He’s a holding midfielder that can also play at the back, I like this versatility,” said Vieira. “He’s got good technical ability and importantly his game understanding is really good. He’s already fitted well into the group and trained with the players for the first time yesterday. He is fit and ready to play”"

Should Vieira be true to his word and implements a 4-3-3- system, it might be difficult for Bravo to obtain starts in his natural CDM position, since NYCFC already have the likes of Pirlo, Lampard, Mix Diskerud, and Kwadwo Poku, all of whom could be the opening day starters in the midfield.

Perhaps NYC FC would be interested in dropping Bravo into their center back position, where he might be able to get quality minutes playing next to their new signing Frédéric Brillant, while at the age of 30, still has a couple of years left in his prime.

If Bravo is looking to make the opening day lineup for NYCFC, I believe he will have to battle for a spot against Jefferson Mena, Jason Hernandez, and even the newcomer Ethan White, who has impressed this preseason.

Whether or not Bravo finds his way into the starting lineup initially, this is a decisive move from NYCFC, who are looking to improve upon their eighth place finish in the Eastern Conference this year. And no matter what, Bravo will be a key depth addition and will help this squad out immensely in the defensive third.