New England Revolution: 5 key players in 2019

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 11: From left, New England Revolution teammates Wilfried Zahibo, Diego Fagundez, Teal Bunbury, Andrew Farrell and Juan Agudelo celebrate a Farrell goal during a game against the Philadelphia Union at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on Aug. 11, 2018. (Photo by Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JULY 14: New England Revolution midfielder Diego Fagundez (14) celebrates his goal during a match between the New England Revolution and the Los Angeles Galaxy on July 14, 2018, at Gillette Stadium in Foxbvorough, Massachusetts. The Galaxy defeated the Revolution 3-2. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Diego Fagundez

After stating his desire to leave the New England Revolution in January, the expectations around Diego Fagundez should be high in 2019.

The 24-year-old admitted he’s stuck with the Revs due to his contract but wanted to join Uruguayan side Nacional when they made an offer for him last month. With head coach Brad Friedel letting players go with ease that didn’t match his mindset, it’s surprising Fagundez is still on the roster heading into the new season.

Following an impressive 2018, it is reasonable that there would be offers for Fagundez’s services and why the Revs would want to hold on to him. In 33 appearances, the Uruguayan international scored nine goals and contributed a career-high 10 assists.

There will be a lot of tension around Fagundez this campaign and if there are any signs that his head is not where it needs to be, it would be no shock to see Friedel drop him from the starting line-up and possibly the team as a whole. With depth amongst the wings and new additions in the center of midfield, there are options in Fagundez’s position. As such, he will need to show why he deserves to start from the jump.

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