Orlando City Vs Colorado Rapids: 3 things to watch for – Can Nani deliver?

1. Can Nani net his first goal?

Nani’s signing with Orlando City SC sent a jolt of excitement with the prospect of bringing in the largest profile signing since Kaká. The Portuguese winger has experienced the grueling competitions of the Premier League, Champions League, and was a member of Portugal’s Euro 2016 Championship run.

Nani still has the on-ball quality to influence matches. His proclivity to position himself in dangerous areas of the pitch is of great significance for an Orlando City side that, quite frankly, has not found their confidence in the final third. While it is still relatively early in the season, Nani has been unable to find the net for the Lions.

It will take time for Orlando City SC to get the most out of their new Designated Player. Dom Dwyer has said as much this week:

"“He [Nani] is still learning the league. It’s very different. He has got a lot of quality.”"

Pressure will always be on high-profile international players in MLS. Once Nani is able to get off the mark for Orlando, his confidence will grow and his comfort with his role in the side will be cemented.

Unfortunately, the Portuguese winger is a highlighted player in any opposition’s strategy in the lead up to a match with Orlando. Opposing coaches will be sure to set marking instructions to their players to prevent Nani from getting onto the ball and finding space to dribble once he gets it.

It is for this reason that O’Connor needs to find a way to work Chris Mueller, as mentioned in the previous section, into the line-up when Nani and Dwyer are playing. Against D.C. United, the Lions looked a great deal more dangerous when Mueller was on the pitch. Even though Nani was only on the pitch for about 20 minutes with Mueller, he was the better for it.

Since O’Connor has primarily utilized Nani as a second striker alongside Dwyer, the Portuguese star recently has been more inclined to try to pick up the ball from deeper positions. However, this easily enables the opposing players to keep him in check. Most likely, Nani will be tasked with trying to stretch out the Rapids’ midfield diamond while also looking to create quick plays with Dwyer and Moutinho.

If Nani can continue to develop a strong relationship with his compatriot, Moutinho, he will find himself in even more goal scoring chances and perhaps notch his first strike of his MLS career.