Atlanta United: 3 things we learned; 2 key players to watch

KENNESAW, GA FEBRUARY 28: Atlanta's Ezequiel Barco (8) looks to pass the ball during the Champions League match between CS Herediano and Atlanta United FC on February 28th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 03: Atlanta United forward Hector Villalba (15) controls the ball during a MLS match between D.C. United and Atlanta United FC, on March 3, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington, DC.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Hector Villalba

Atlanta are loaded with attacking talent. As a result, some of the team’s best players are confined to the bench. Hector Villalba is one of those players. He was the club’s first Designated Player and dazzled in the club’s inaugural season. Due to injury and new signings, he was forced into a bench/super-sub role in 2018 during the team’s MLS Cup run.

Now, with heavy match congestion and squad rotation, Villalba should see a lot more minutes. I anticipate Villalba starting this Sunday. Of Atlanta’s main three attacking players, at least one of Josef Martinez, Pity Martinez, or Ezequiel Barco will start on the bench. De Boer opted for Villalba to start against DC United in the club’s first MLS match of the season.

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I expect de Boer to do the same thing this weekend. Unfortunately, Villalba had a poor performance in DC. However, with a strong home crowd of 70,000+, I expect Villalba to play well against the expansion squad.

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