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MLS: Every team’s best starting XI for 2019

By Joshua Bowers

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 21: New York City defender Ronald Matarrita (22) takes a shot during a MLS match between D.C. United and New York FC on October 21, 2018, at Audi Field in Washington D.C.DC United defeated New York FC 3-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 21: New York City defender Ronald Matarrita (22) takes a shot during a MLS match between D.C. United and New York FC on October 21, 2018, at Audi Field in Washington D.C.DC United defeated New York FC 3-1.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

New York City FC

4-3 -3 (False-9)

GK Sean Johnson

RB Anton Tinnerholm

CB Maxime Chanot

CB Alex Callens

LB Ronald Matarrita

CDM Alex Ring

CM Ebenezer Ofori

CM Maxi Moralez

LW Alexandru Mitrita

CF Jesus Medina

RW Ismael Tajouri-Shradi

New York City said goodbye to David Villa and Yangel Herrera after seeing manager Patrick Vieira leave for Nice in France during the season. City lack a true striker on the roster. So, they will have to play with a false-nine. Medina, Mitrita, and Tajouri-Shradi should be the three forwards. However, there will be varying opinions about where they should each play.

Firstly, I think it will be a fluid attack (like Liverpool FC). Two of those starting forwards are left-footed, so I am starting one of them in the middle. Tajouri-Shradi replaced Villa when the latter was hurt last season and he filled in well. I have Medina in the middle because I’m playing him as a true false-nine, pulling the strings for the inverted wingers flanking him. Mitrita was brought in to be a goalscorer and has looked great in preseason. But I want him in his best position, left wing.

The midfield doesn’t look too dissimilar to last year. Maxi Moralez is one of the best 10s in the league. He is New York City’s most important player this year. He sets the tone. Alexander Ring is still the deepest-lying midfielder and is also one of the best players at his position. Ebenezer Ofori started 21 games last year and is the easy pick to replace Herrera. They are different players; Ofori isn’t nearly as defensive as Herrera. So his insertion to the line-up will change the way they play. Keaton Parks may be the spiritual successor to Herrera, but I’m not ready to make him a state — yet.

All four starters return on defense, as well as goalkeeper, Sean Johnson. However, I have Matarrita moving ahead of Sweat. Matarrita is a significantly better crosser than Sweat and I need him providing width for my inverted attackers.

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