MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Atlanta United Vs D.C. United: 5 key players to watch – Stopping Wayne Rooney

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA MAY 20: Atlanta's Josef Martinez (7) strikes a pose after scoring a goal during the match between Atlanta United and New York Red Bulls on May 20, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The New York Red Bulls defeated Atlanta United FC 3 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA MAY 20: Atlanta's Josef Martinez (7) strikes a pose after scoring a goal during the match between Atlanta United and New York Red Bulls on May 20, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The New York Red Bulls defeated Atlanta United FC 3 1. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 24: Atlanta United defender Julian Gressel (24) stretches to pass the ball away from Orlando City forward Chris Mueller (17) during the MLS soccer match between the Orlando City SC and Atlanta United on August 24th, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 24: Atlanta United defender Julian Gressel (24) stretches to pass the ball away from Orlando City forward Chris Mueller (17) during the MLS soccer match between the Orlando City SC and Atlanta United on August 24th, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Julian Gressel

Not enough can be said about how valuable Julian Gressel is to the Five Stripes. He is not the flashiest player on the team, but he might be the most important.

More from MLS Multiplex

Atlanta has dealt with its fair share of injuries, especially with its starters. Darlington Nagbe, Greg Garza, and Franco Escobar are currently missing time with injuries. Barco and Villalba had their injury troubles earlier in the season, as well. Ultimately, their absences were not detrimental to the team’s success because Gressel was there to step in.

Gressel has played almost every position on the pitch for Atlanta this season. Because of Escobar’s injury, Gressel moved into the right-back position, where he will play for the team for the foreseeable future. The young German should excel at right back. It is similar to the right wing-back position that Gressel played in when Atlanta was in a 3-5-2 formation earlier this season. Since Gressel is right footed, he is able to send his fantastic crosses into the box from that side of the field.

The key aspect of Gressel’s game to watch is the defensive side of things. Can Gressel get back on defense when D.C. is counter-attacking? Can Gressel make one-on-one defensive stops if thrust into that situation? I am very inclined to say yes because he is a talented player who can do just about anything, but we will certainly find out on Sunday night.

Home/Atlanta United