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Atlanta United Vs Colorado Rapids: 5 key players to watch – Clean-sheet hunting

By Josh Bouland

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 02: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United warms up with tattoos on his neck and mouthpiece in his mouth during the Major League Soccer match between DC United and Atlanta United at Audi Field on September 02, 2018 in Washington, District of Columbia. DC United won the match with a score of 3 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 02: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United warms up with tattoos on his neck and mouthpiece in his mouth during the Major League Soccer match between DC United and Atlanta United at Audi Field on September 02, 2018 in Washington, District of Columbia. DC United won the match with a score of 3 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 02: Atlanta United defender Jeff Larentowicz (18) after scoring during a MLS match between D.C. United and Atlanta United FC, on September 02, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.D.C. United defeated Atlanta United FC 3-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 02: Atlanta United defender Jeff Larentowicz (18) after scoring during a MLS match between D.C. United and Atlanta United FC, on September 02, 2018, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.D.C. United defeated Atlanta United FC 3-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. George Bello

The young homegrown made his first-team debut in the team’s last game against D.C. United. George Bello is one of Atlanta’s most enticing prospects, along with Andrew Carleton and Chris Goslin. Bello, who is just 16, made more headlines this past week with reports that some major European clubs are beginning to scout his talents.

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Bello may not even see the pitch this weekend. Franco Escobar made his return to training this week and Bello is a depth player for Escobar’s position. Bello is young and very inexperienced. Carleton has more experience than Bello and Martino is usually hesitant to give Carleton minutes. There are murmurs around the training ground that Martino is very high on Bello’s talents and potential, maybe even more so than Carleton’s, but his youthfulness could prevent him from seeing major playing time.

He has been in the game-day eighteen for the last few matches, though, so the chances of him at least starting on the bench are high. Atlanta is making a small road trip out West with Colorado on Saturday and San Jose just a few days later. This means players will be facing the exhaustion of travel and two games in four days.

Therefore, there is a chance Bello will see the pitch at some point. If he plays, he will be an interesting advantage for Atlanta since most of the opposition have very little tape to scout Bello with. He is promising, wonderfully gifted and very exciting indeed.

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