Atlanta United: 3 things to watch for this preseason

ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 27: Atlanta's Gonzalo "Pity" Martínez (10) celebrates after winning the US Open Cup final match between Minnesota United FC and Atlanta United FC on August 27th, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 29: Gonzalo Martinez #10 of Atlanta United looks on prior to the game between Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

1. Is Gonzalo Martinez up to MLS speed?

Gonzalo Martinez is a player with obvious quality. You are not named the South American Player of the Year for nothing. But in MLS, there is often a period of adjustment — the unique travel, the wide difference of climates and playing surfaces and simply adjusting to a new country can be challenging. That has been the case for many high-level players across the league. And it was the same for Martinez.

In this offseason, I believe the number one story to watch is whether Pity is ready to be the dynamic player he was at the end of the 2019 season throughout the entirety of 2020, which is what he was signed to be, after all.

To finish 2019, Martinez scored or assisted in six of the final seven matches. 2020 could be a huge breakout season in MLS for him, if he can maintain that form over an extended period of time. It would be nice to see a happy, confident, comfortable Martinez, someone who has settled into Atlanta life and is now flourishing.

Next. Atlanta United: Best-rated starting XI of 2019 season. dark

Last season seemed like a slog for the Argentine star. But with a strong preseason, 2020 could be a shining year. And Lord knows, Atlanta United would be all the better for it.

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