Changes in the team’s roster ahead of the 2019 MLS season leaves New York City FC reliant on a handful of players in order to have a successful campaign. Here are five players NYCFC need great performances from this upcoming season.
Following a third consecutive playoff elimination, New York City FC entered the offseason with some questions to answer. The future of head coach Domènec Torrent was being questioned by fans, the team’s ability to perform in big games was exposed and, on top of it all, the team’s captain and all-time leading scorer departed for Japan.
The loss of David Villa leaves an obvious hole in the team’s roster, especially after watching the 2018 performances without the Spaniard. Although Torrent has brought in a third Designated Player with the signing of Alexandru Mitriță, it is unknown if the Romanian will fill the shoes of Villa, something the team requires in order to be a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference.
To say New York City FC don’t have one of the stronger rosters in Major League Soccer would still be false despite the recent roster moves. The team’s core, mostly established by former head coach Patrick Vieira, still remains and will have a bigger role than ever ahead of 2019.
Here’s five players crucial to New York City FC’s 2019 season.
5. Alexander Ring
Heading into his third season with New York City FC, Alexander Ring has been awarded the captain’s armband, a big recognition considering the last man to wear it.
The impact Ring has had on NYCFC in his 59 appearances justifies Torrent’s decision without any doubts. With or without the ball, Ring has led City’s midfield to be one of the league’s best. With his partner in the middle of the park, Yangel Herrera, leaving the team following his loan spell, Ring will have even more responsibility for the upcoming campaign.
What the 27-year-old has shown so far doesn’t leave any doubt in fan’s eyes: he will be a great leader for New York City FC. Not only did Ring start 29 of his 30 games last season but scored twice, one of them being arguably the best of the year.
Ring’s passion in the midfield won the respect of fans not only in New York, but league wide as well. Ring was selected for the MLS All-Star game in 2018 and started against the Italian Champions, Juventus.
With an attack ahead of him likely not as strong as last year’s, Ring will have more work on his hands. Preventing turnovers, moving the team forward and winning the ball are areas where the Finn excels, the team needing all three in 2019.