Philadelphia Union: Key hurdle Marco Fabian must overcome

Marco Fabian is the Philadelphia Union’s latest Designated Player acquisition. There is one key hurdle for him to overcome if he is to be a success in MLS: fitness.

The Philadelphia Union have made the biggest signing in the history of their existence. Mexican international and European-renowned attacking midfielder Marco Fabian arrived on a one-year deal with a club option for a further two last week.

The 29-year-old is immediately one of the best players in Major League Soccer. Unused at Eintracht Frankfurt, the Union spotted an opportunity to bring a legit Mexican star into the fray to replace Borek Dockal at the tip of their midfield.

Fabian is more than good enough to flourish in MLS. Andrew Wiebe, of mlssoccer.com, described him as a ‘game-changer’ for the Union. It is a fair statement. Even if you have never seen him play, the fact that he has 42 international caps in a strong era of Mexican football should tell you everything you need to know.

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And his domestic form has been strong also. In eight years at Guadalajara from 2007 to 2015, he made 153 league appearances and scored 70 goals. Since moving to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2016, he has made 44 league appearances and scored eight times. He has handled himself neatly in the Bundesliga and was once considered in a similar vein to some of the best attacking midfielders in the league.

Fabian is a genuine star. You could, if you wanted to, make the argument that he is ‘too good’ for the Union and MLS. It is almost surprising that he is willing to drop down to this level of league when this is likely to be his last big career move at 29. And yet, that is precisely what Philadelphia have pulled off. There is just one major issue that Fabian must satisfy if he is to be a success in MLS: fitness.

You see, while it is encouraging that Philadelphia were able to sign a world-renowned player like Fabian, you have to ask the question of how many other teams were actually in for him. Ernst Tanner claimed that Fabian had offers from other places, but you have to suspect that they were not from either Europe or Mexico or he would not be in Pennsylvania right now.

The reasoning for this apparent lack of market is his fitness. Coming off back surgery and limited playing time over the past two seasons, Fabian’s health is a major concern. Now 29, how much longer can his body hold up to the physical rigours of professional football? It may help that he will not be competing at a lower standard than the Bundesliga, but MLS is an exceptionally physical and athletic style of league. His body will be tested.

It is why the Union were smart to sign him to just a one-year deal and include another two years as options. They want to try before they buy, ensuring that Fabian can physically handle MLS before they invest in him long term. Nevertheless, despite mitigating the risk, that does not mean that the underlying reason for the risk, his lack of proven health and fitness, is no longer relevant.

For Fabian to deliver as his talent and pedigree demands, he will need to stay fit. If he can overcome that hurdle, then he should be a resounding success in MLS. It is the final obstacle to clear.