Atlanta United: 5 key players to watch during busy week

1. Michael Parkhurst

Atlanta United’s captain has been used at a few different positions so far this season. Although he played every single match as a center-back through Atlanta’s first two seasons, this year, Michael Parkhurst has played at center-back, right-back, and even left-back. He started at left-back in Atlanta’s 3-0 win over Kansas City on Sunday night.

With so many matches in so little time, where will Parkhurst play this week? Parkhurst was emphatic about whether he can play at left-back for a sustained and busy period, and although I don’t think he’ll play much more in that position, I don’t think it should be a surprise if he is used there anymore. Brek Shea has seen time at left-back but his play has left a lot to be desired, while George Bello is out for two-three months with an adductor injury and Mikey Ambrose is working his way back from a knee injury.

Parkhurst may be the go-to left-back for now. Parkhurst prefers center-back but because of Leandro Gonzalez Pirez’s skill and Miles Robinson’s breakthrough start to the season, there just isn’t room for Parkhurst when Ambrose comes back. That is, if Ambrose is better suited to play left-back.

Parkhurst’s performance on Sunday night was solid, and no matter what position he plays, he is a significant player with a significant role. But because of his age and because of the match congestion starting this week, we may see him spend time both on the bench resting and on the pitch playing any of the backline positions. Because of that flexibility, he will certainly be a player to watch.