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Chicago Fire: 5 key players to watch for in 2020

By Adnan Bašić

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 25: Djordje Mihailovic #14 of Chicago Fire looks to pass during a game between Chicago Fire and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 25: Djordje Mihailovic #14 of Chicago Fire looks to pass during a game between Chicago Fire and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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Saint-Etienne’s Slovenian forward Robert Beric (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Saint-Etienne and Olympique Lyonnais at the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne, central France on October 6, 2019. (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images)
Saint-Etienne’s Slovenian forward Robert Beric (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between AS Saint-Etienne and Olympique Lyonnais at the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne, central France on October 6, 2019. (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo by PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images) /

2020 is set to be a very important one for the Chicago Fire. Here are five key players who fans will especially need to keep their eyes on this season.

After one of the most hectic offseasons in club history, the Chicago Fire are finally set to kick off the 2020 regular season this weekend. They will go on the road to take on reigning MLS Cup Champions, the Seattle Sounders.

One of the reasons why the winter was so frantic was the roster turnover. German icon Bastian Schweinsteiger retired soon after the end of last season, while Aleksandar Katai and Nicolas Gaitan eventually left as well. That meant the Fire suddenly had to fill three Designated Player spots while also worrying about adding depth pieces to the team. They have seemingly done that very well, with fans now incredibly excited for the new campaign to kick off.

Related Story. Chicago Fire: Roster overhaul getting there. light

And now, all eyes are on the players who take the field for Chicago. With that in mind, then, here are five Chicago Fire players to watch out for in 2020.

VIGO, SPAIN – MAY 18: Alvaro Medran of Rayo Vallecano looks on during the La Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Abanca Balaidos Stadium on May 18, 2019 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
VIGO, SPAIN – MAY 18: Alvaro Medran of Rayo Vallecano looks on during the La Liga match between RC Celta de Vigo and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Abanca Balaidos Stadium on May 18, 2019 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

5. Alvaro Medran

The very first signing made by the team this offseason, Alvaro Medran was actually brought in back when Veljko Paunovic was still the head coach. That is how long ago the deal happened. Nonetheless, there is still plenty of pressure on the Spaniard to perform as he is expected to start for new manager Raphael Wicky.

Coming to the club as a free agent, Medran was a shrewd pickup for the Fire, who have since made him somewhat of a key figure upon his arrival. The midfielder has been heavily featured in promotional material, whether that be the jersey reveal or television commercials. He’s a big deal, which brings expectations with it.

However, worries regarding Medran, who had a rough time during the Fire’s preseason tour. He seemed off the pace during most games, misplacing passes and not getting involved enough in the middle of the park, are beginning to grow. There are extenuating reasons for his poor performances. He needs time to acclimate to life in Chicago, is in a new city, team and country, and is still learning the ropes. But time’s running out, and it’ll be interesting to see how ready Medran is, come opening day.

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