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Atlanta United: 5 things learned from road win over Philadelphia

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 30: Atlanta United Head Coach Gerardo Tata Martino during an MLS match between the Orlando City and Atlanta United FC on June 30, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 30: Atlanta United Head Coach Gerardo Tata Martino during an MLS match between the Orlando City and Atlanta United FC on June 30, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHESTER, PA – JULY 07: Atlanta United Forward Josef Martinez (7) reacts to missing a long pass in the first half during the game between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union on July 07, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTER, PA – JULY 07: Atlanta United Forward Josef Martinez (7) reacts to missing a long pass in the first half during the game between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union on July 07, 2018 at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Josef Martinez is on fire

It’s no secret Josef Martinez is having a stellar season. He has 18 goals on the season, well clear of second place in the Golden Boot race. But it’s not just his goal scoring that makes Martinez so special; it’s just about everything else too. The Venezuelan international passes the ball well and times his runs so that either he can score a goal or so that a teammate can score a goal.

Saturday night is the perfect example. The guys over at mlsscoccer.com broke down Atlanta’s second goal from Saturday night and how Martinez contributed to the goal without actually scoring it. His presence on the pitch alone affects all players around him. Just last week I highlighted what Martinez does so well on a goal scoring play.

Next: Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps: Five Things We Learned

Martinez is playing at a high level in every aspect of his game. Now all eyes will be on how may goals he can score by the end of the season. His current pace has him at 30 goals by the end of the season, which would best the single season record by three goals. Chances are the Venezuelan will hit a cold streak or deal with an injury, but if all goes well, we will witness history this season.

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