Atlanta United Vs FC Cincinnati: 5 things we learned

Atlanta United Vs FC Cincinnati: 5 things we learned – Time to panic?

ATLANTA, GA MARCH 10: Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan gestures to the referee during the MLS match between FC Cincinnati and Atlanta United FC on March 10th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA MARCH 10: Atlanta fans celebrate after a goal by Josef Martinez during the MLS match between FC Cincinnati and Atlanta United FC on March 10th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Miguel Almiron is missed

The biggest difference in Atlanta’s play so far this season is perhaps not the coaching staff, or formation, or tactics, or match congestion, or even the tough travel. The team is missing its best player from the last two years, and that is unquestionably having an effect.

A lot of people understood how important Miguel Almiron was to Atlanta United, but for those who didn’t grasp his importance, they’re feeling it now. Almiron did just about everything for Atlanta in his time with the club. He scored goals, he assisted on numerous others, he sprung counter-attacks, and he ran around the pitch like a madman.

Atlanta doesn’t have a player like that anymore. Almost no team in the league has a player like that. Most teams around the world don’t have a player like Almiron (except these guys of course). Fans are feeling the effects of losing a player like Almiron. Yes, the tactics of the team provide a slower pace of attack, but without a speedy player like Almiron running around the pitch, there isn’t an extra gear the team can shift into.

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Almiron is missed more than ever. He brought an extra element to Atlanta that helped the team thrive in all sorts of games. Just as the players adjust to new tactics and formations, a lot of them have to adjust to playing without such a crucial player.

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