Atlanta United: Assessing the major 2019 signings

By Chris Smith | Sep 21, 2019

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 17: Atlanta’s Dion Pereira (28) takes a shot during the MLS match between Houston Dynamo and Atlanta United FC on July 17th, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Dion Pereira

Signed from: Watford

Fee: Undisclosed

Earmarked by Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra as a ‘technical player who will adapt well to MLS’, Dion Pereira’s arrival from Watford was always going to be one for the future.

The 20-year-old is yet to truly set the Mercedes-Benz Stadium alight but has shown plenty of potential, ranking second among Atlanta players for dribbles completed per 90 minutes (2.9) and proving himself a useful change of pace from the bench.

Pereira needs to bulk up and improve his decision making if he is to truly rise to MLS standards, but that should come with age and experience, so, overall, de Boer can be quite happy with the Englishman’s steady progress.

Verdict: Hit

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