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) /

5 of 7

ATLANTA, GA MARCH 13: Atlanta’s Florentin Pogba (4) looks upfield during the Concacaf Champions League match between CF Monterrey and Atlanta United FC on March 13th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Florentin Pogba

Signed from: Unattached

Fee: Free

Let’s be really, really honest here; Florentin Pogba’s signing caused hype more for his surname than his ability as a footballer. Although he’s put in a few relatively solid performances, the 29-year-old can be truly terrifying to watch and is often targetted by opposition forwards thanks to his lack of pace.

Pogba has committed the third-highest number of fouls per 90 minutes (1.4) among Atlanta players in MLS this season and his recent disaster class against Columbus Crew really was something to behold with Caleb Porter’s side repeatedly targetting his position on the left side.

The defender was swiftly dropped for the trip to Cincinnati and replaced by the returning Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. It’s no surprise that Atlanta’s defense looked far more solid and composed as a result.

Verdict: Miss

Home/Atlanta United