RSL: Roster Analysis Heading Into The Offseason – Midfielders

Real Salt Lake revamped their midfield last offseason and Mike Petke was able to get the middle ticking. Moving forward will be the next step.

Midfield Pool (Minutes)

Albert Rusnák (2579), Joao Plata (2318), Kyle Beckerman (2242), Luke Mulholland (1949), Jefferson Savarino (1673), Brooks Lennon (1525), Sunny (1493), Sebastian Saucedo (573), Omar Holness (261), Jose Hernandez (160), Jordan Allen (113), Nick Besler (0/2775 with the Monarchs)

Real Monarchs (USL Minutes)

Sebastian Velasquez (2268), Charlie Adams (2069), Andrew Brody (1897), Daniel Haber (1832), Chase Minter (890), Danny Cruz (617), Diego Calvo (242)

2017 Recap

Last offseason started with a bang as club legend Javier Morales didn’t have his option picked up for 2017. El Maestro had pulled the strings for RSL since 2007, which saw him lead the club to their highest success between 2009 and 2013. The manner and conditions that surrounded Morales departure from the club will likely always be controversial, and Morales will likely go down as one of the greatest players to ever play for the Claret and Cobalt, which left plenty of pressure for his replacement.

His name would be Albert Rusnák.

Rusnák, only 22 at the time of his signing, took control of the reins and never looked back. Despite being relatively unknown coming into Salt Lake City, his attacking style and passing ability quickly earned the respect of the RSL faithful. Albert would finish 2017 leading the team in goals with 7, assists with 14, minutes with 2,579, multiple call-ups to the Slovakian national team for World Cup Qualifying, and only MLS MVP winners Sebastian Giovinco and David Villa would rate higher than Rusnák on the MLS Audi Index.

Rusnák passed with flying colors. His playmaking ability also brought out the best of veteran Joao Plata, who had a renaissance season himself, along with midseason addition Jefferson Savarino. The three attacking pieces terrorized MLS defenses. Behind them, youngsters Brooks Lennon and Sebastian Saucedo also showed plenty of promise and ability to contribute at a high level.

Centrally, captain Kyle Beckerman was called on to play a vital role all season long, while Sunny and Luke Mulholland were typically paired alongside him. The trio of midfielders helped the attack tick and transition in exciting fashion, while also helping defend.

2018 Predictions

The midfield will be the most intriguing position to watch this offseason. Building around Rusnák will be vital, which includes signing Jefferson Savarino permanently off his loan deal, butRusnák has played so well for both club and country, that it would not be a surprise if a large European club comes looking for his services. Joao Plata should play another key part in the attack, but there are still rumors of a move across the border that will need to be followed closely. His most likely replacement on the roster, Brooks Lennon, is also on loan and GM Craig Waibel revealed on the #OnFrame Podcast that RSL has no intention of paying a transfer fee for Lennon after he left RSL’s academy for free.

Behind the attack, things are even muddier. Kyle Beckerman is a free agent, meaning he will have his choice in retirement, a new club, or a return to RSL. While Beckerman showed he can still play at a high level, the Designated Player spot and salary he currently occupies would be put to better use going to a younger prospect who’s coming for the long haul. Should the captain take a pay cut and a reduced role, would he be best paired with a DP box-to-box midfielder instead of Mulholland and Sunny? Or would Sunny move into the starting role with Beckerman behind him? Or would the new addition play Beckerman’s position altogether?  Waibel will definitely have his hands full.

That doesn’t even touch the depth issue. Now a few seasons into his pro career, Jordan Allen still doesn’t have a clear position after missing most the season with injuries. With Tony Beltran out for at least the first few months of the season, Allen could return to the starting lineup as a regular, but this time as a right back. It would save the club from having to add another fullback to the roster while offering Jordan Allen a chance to see regular playing time from a specific position. He could even prove himself to be the heir apparent to the Iron Man, Beltran, which would create more clarity for both the short and long-term.

Former RSL attacker Sebastian Velasquez had a brilliant season with Real Monarchs and could be the better fit as depth for Rusnák instead of the youngster Jose Hernandez, who could use regular playing time with Monarchs. Costa Rican international, Diego Calvo could also be a better fit for the first team, which would allow Saucedo to have regular minutes in USL for a season, or for a short-term option while Lennon finishes out his Liverpool contract next summer if a deal can’t be agreed on before then.

Next: Grading the MLS Knockout Round Games

The midfield outlook for 2018 is bright, arguably just as bright or brighter than any other team in the league, but there are still too many pieces in play to feel too comfortable. One thing is for sure, following the midfield this offseason definitely won’t be boring.

Check out our other posts on the RSL roster here:

Goalkeepers.

Defenders.