Atlanta United: Assessing the major 2019 signings
By Chris Smith
2. Emerson Hyndman
Signed from: Bournemouth
Fee: Loan (option to buy)
Emerson Hyndman arrived on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth in July and all told, has been a very solid addition to de Boer’s squad.
Rather than standing out as a top performer at either end of the pitch, Hyndman has been an excellent all-rounder in midfield, using his energy to aid the Atlanta press and get them forward quickly in transition, while also protecting possession with a very healthy 86.3% pass completion rate in MLS play — the fifth-highest among outfield players for the Five stripes.
This box-to-box role suits Hyndman’s game perfectly, as expressed by US U-20 manager, Tab Ramos:
"“Emerson is very much a connector. He does all the things the other guys aren’t doing, whether it’s passing or defending, he can do it. He’s almost like the oil in the engine. He just makes it work.”"
Hyndman’s main aim is to work himself back into contention for the USMNT, and luckily for him, Greg Berhalter is very open to giving MLS players a chance, even when up against those plying their trade in Europe.
Atlanta have the option of making that loan permanent at the end of the current MLS season and with Hyndman proving to be such a useful player since de Boer’s switch back to a 3-5-2, it’s an option they are expected to take up.
Verdict: Hit