After reports circulating that NYCFC is looking to part ways with Mix Diskerud, in reality, there was never a place for him in the Bronx.
I will always give the benefit of the doubt for certain soccer players, especially when it comes to NYCFC personnel, but this time– I can’t.
After hearing the recent news that midfielder Mix Diskerud’s days in the bright blue are pretty much over, I wasn’t surprised and no one really was. Now, when he was one of the first signings, in the back of the mind of I always knew and he was supposed to be the fourth biggest signing after the three designated players.
But let’s get real here, Mix never stood a chance and it wasn’t going to end pretty. As a midfielder, you need to stand out in order to get the gaffer’s attention and when players like Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard, you need to earn your place before they take it.
Diskerud’s lone NYCFC moment of his career was scoring the club’s first ever goal against Orlando City, but besides that, he hasn’t really made that much of a contribution.
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In 2015, Diskerud played in 27 matches, starting in 23 of them while netting three goals and assisting on one goal. He began to lose his pace towards the end of the inaugural season once Pirlo and Lampard made way towards the middle of the pitch.
It’s not easy competition in Diskerud’s position despite Lampard’s and Pirlo’s age. The designated players came here to play, not teach youngsters while sitting on the bench.
Diskerud was going against all odds and no one bet on him to win, especially when Patrick Vieira came along. It’s not like Vieira had anything personal with Mix, he just wanted a certain style and a specific type of players.
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From his signings, it was evident what type of culture Vieira was bringing in and with the emergence of Tommy McNamara, Diskerud just went down the pecking order. Mix was never a defensive midfielder, so that was out of the question.
In the middle, Lampard, Pirlo, Federico Bravo and even McNamara were lined up. And as soon as young Jack Harrison came on board, it was pretty much over for Mix. He finished the 2016 campaign with only nine starts, two assists and one goal.
Mix had the overseas experience as he started his career in Europe and got the eye of USA National Team who eventually called him up the 2014 World Cup squad.
The only question remaining with Mix is where he’s going to land and what will NYCFC get for him. Despite his performance, he’s a name that some MLS clubs will be willing to take a chance on, unfortunately, that club isn’t NYCFC.