Atlanta United: How their newly drafted players fit into the big picture

The 2019 MLS SuperDraft is complete, meaning Atlanta United has three more players on its roster. How do these new players fit into the club?

Before we get into Atlanta United’s 2019 picks, let’s look at their first two drafts and how those players have fared with the club so far:

2017: 2nd overall, Miles Robinson; 8th overall, Julian Gressel; 46th overall, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu; 68th overall, Alex Kapp
2018: 14th overall, Jon Gallagher; 36th overall, Oliver Shannon; 37th overall, Gordon Wild; 70th overall, Paul Christensen

Only Julian Gressel has seen adamant playing time of the eight previous players drafted by Atlanta. Miles Robinson has made a handful of starts and seen some cameo action, while Wheeler-Omiunu only saw limited minutes in 2018 before having his contract option declined during this current offseason. Alex Kapp was not signed to Atlanta’s roster in 2017.

All of Atlanta’s 2018 draft picks saw meaningful minutes throughout the USL season with Atlanta United 2. Only Paul Christensen saw minutes with the first team, and that was because of unique (and unfortunate) circumstances. Expect this year’s draft picks to follow the same path, barring any unexpected development.

Atlanta passed on its fourth round, 78th overall draft pick in this year’s SuperDraft.

Pick 24 – Anderson Aseidu

Listed in midfield at 5’6″ and out of UCLA, Anderson Aseidu was Atlanta’s first pick of this year’s draft. He might not see the field, but he could eventually replace Eric Remedi or provide depth in a midfield destroyer type of role. Aseidu was also the winner of the MLS Combine MVP award.

According to the UCLA Men’s Soccer website, Aseidu put in two very strong years with the school. He originally started in New Jersey with Monmouth before transferring to UCLA for his junior and senior seasons. In those two years with UCLA, Aseidu scored three goals and four assists in 34 games.

Although Aseidu may not bring a lot to the team in this first year, that doesn’t mean he can’t become an integral part of the club over the next few years. With new coach Frank de Boer locked into a four-year contract, the drafting of Aseidu represents a lot. This is de Boer’s first choice with the new club and he can be a key player in de Boer’s system should something happen to a first team player.

I think this is a solid pick for the Five Stripes. Although Aseidu is shorter than most, his fire and drive is ever-present. Although I don’t expect to see him with the first team this year, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up making an appearance or two. With the team’s match congestion this season, squad rotation is going to be a big aspect of this coming year. Aseidu may get a shot at playing with the first team because of that.

Pick 48 – Amir Bashti

Amir Bashti was Atlanta’s second pick in this year’s draft. Out of Stanford, Bashti is listed as a midfielder/forward and is 5’9″. With Stanford, Bashti won three national championships and four Pac 12 conference titles in his four years with the school. He will most likely play a role with Atlanta United 2.

Over the course of his four years with Stanford, Bashti appeared in 88 matches. He scored 19 goals and 13 assists, including seven goals and six assists in his senior season. He was also named to the all Pac 12 first team at the conclusion of his stellar senior season.

I don’t anticipate Bashti seeing the field with the first team this year because of the team’s forward depth. With league MVP Josef Martinez starting every single game in 2018 and back up Romario Williams making a few appearances over the course of the season, that automatically lowers the chances of Bashti seeing the field. Plus, two of last year’s SuperDraft picks, Gallagher and Wild, are also forwards.

The bigger picture

It is important to reiterate that neither of these players have a high chance of seeing the pitch with the first team. All of last year’s picks were loaned out to Atlanta United 2 or other USL teams. It is likely that the club will do the same with Adeiu and Bashti.

Of the two picks, I would guess Adeiu has a better chance at seeing any MLS minutes. Although he is shorter, he has speed and is highly looked upon by de Boer. Atlanta’s match congestion could possibly force Adeiu onto the pitch, whether or not the technical staff feel he’s ready.

The most likely outcome for these draft picks is meaningful USL minutes with Atlanta United 2 this year and an opportunity to fight for first-team minutes over the next couple of seasons. It is worth watching what happens with Shannon, Wild, and Gallagher during this preseason and MLS season.

If they begin to break through to the first team, Adeiu and Bashti might have a chance to do so next year. That, really, is all you can expect from a SuperDraft pick in their first season.