D.C. United: Edison Flores the necessary offensive spark

On Tuesday, D.C. United officially unveiled Peruvian international Edison Flores as a new Designated Player. After some key departures earlier in the offseason, Flores will provide a necessary offensive spark.

On Tuesday, the move to bring in Edison Flores was finally announced by D.C. United. For weeks, the club was linked to the Peruvian midfielder as they look to fill two Designated Player spots on their roster. But now, they finally have their man.

There was a major need in the capital to acquire high-quality players. The departures of Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta, as well as the return of loanee DP Lucas Rodriguez, left D.C. United devoid of attacking talent.

While Ola Kamara was a neat signing at the end of last season to lead the line and Paul Arriola is a capable attacking midfielder, a greater offensive spark was unquestionably required. D.C. simply did not have the horses at the start of the offseason. But now, they might.

Flores brings a wealth of talent. Signing from Monarcas Morelia of Liga MX, the Peruvian international is a high-calibre attacker who has played at a level far beyond MLS throughout his career. During the 2019 Apertura and Clausura seasons, he made 34 appearances, scoring nine goals and adding five assists. During the playoffs, he made four appearances and contributed three goals. Before his time with Monarcas Morelia, Flores played for Aalborg BK in Denmark. He made 52 appearances with four goals and six assists.

Since 2013, Flores has been a member of Peru’s senior national team and has gone on to make 47 appearances and score 13 goals. The 25-year-old played in three matches at the 2018 World Cup and scored two goals in the 2019 Copa America. He brings a pedigree that will be unique to the D.C. United squad.

As General Manager Dave Kasper said in a statement, Flores could be a terrific addition to the team:

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"“He is an exciting and dynamic attacking player who creates and scores goals. What has really impressed us is his commitment to the team… he is a versatile and gritty two-way player who plays with a real pulse. Edison is a proven international player with Peru and was a major contributor for them in the 2018 World Cup and in their impressive run to the final in the Copa America.”"

There will be no lack of playing time for Flores in D.C. Kamara will be the main target man for Flores to set up chances for — the Norwegian forward knows how to score in Major League Soccer with 51 goals in 95 appearances — while Arriola offers a pacier wide option. But beyond the pair, United are relying on Flores to be their offensive spark.

D.C. did not enjoy the full effect of Acosta in 2019. The midfielder was unable to replicate the form he showed in 2018 and was ultimately dropped from the team, Arriola eventually shifting into a central role. As a result, Ben Olsen will hope Flores can fill that creative, sparking, speedy void in the midfield and help assemble a dynamic and highly competitive offense.

If there’s one man to get the job done for D.C., it’s Flores. The midfielder helped turn around the Peruvian national team and he could have similar success as fellow countrymen Raul Ruidiaz has had in his entry into MLS.

D.C. United needed an offensive spark. And in Edison Flores, they absolutely have one.