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Atlanta United: Assessing the major 2019 signings

ByChris Smith|
KENNESAW, GA JULY 07: Atlanta's Emerson Hyndman (16) and Justin Meram (14) celebrate with Gonzalo "Pity" Martínez (10) after he scored a goal during the US Open Cup match between Saint Louis FC and Atlanta United FC on July 10th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KENNESAW, GA JULY 07: Atlanta's Emerson Hyndman (16) and Justin Meram (14) celebrate with Gonzalo "Pity" Martínez (10) after he scored a goal during the US Open Cup match between Saint Louis FC and Atlanta United FC on July 10th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA JULY 07: Atlanta’s Justin Meram (14) reacts after scoring a goal during the MLS match between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United FC July 7th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA JULY 07: Atlanta’s Justin Meram (14) reacts after scoring a goal during the MLS match between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United FC July 7th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

6. Justin Meram

Signed from: Columbus Crew

Fee: $100,000

Justin Meram’s arrival from the Columbus Crew was certainly an eyebrow-raiser at the time but few can question just how much of a difference he has made since.

The Iraqi international came into his own since stepping into the left wing-back role vacated by Brek Shea’s injury, adding a genuine attacking threat down that side while never shirking his defensive duties.

Meram’s signing was not a glamorous one but he’s taken to life with Atlanta like a duck to water, becoming a surprise fan favourite. And then there’s that goal against Montreal…

Verdict: Hit

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