1. Hector Villalba
Like Barco, Hector Villalba’s role was reduced to a super-sub role by the end of the season. While he didn’t deal with any off-field issues, he did deal with injury problems throughout 2018. Because of his lack of playing time and the team’s surplus of talent, he didn’t see much of the field in the playoffs.
Because of how he ended the 2018 campaign, it will be interesting to see what is his role for this season. He gets a fresh start in the form of a new season and an entirely new coaching staff. Fans and media alike will get their first true look at Villalba this Thursday in the club’s first real competition of the season.
I am expecting to see Villalba, although I don’t think he will start. I expect more of a super-sub role for the Paraguayan international, at least in the early goings of the tournament and MLS season.
I think de Boer will utilize Villalba more in MLS play than CCL play. Thanks to this first match on Thursday, we will have a more clear picture of that role.