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Orlando City: 3 underrated players to watch for in 2020

ByLuke Phelps|
CARY, NC - DECEMBER 15: Daryl Dike #9 of University of Virginia celebrates his goal with teammates during a game between Georgetown and Virginia at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on December 15, 2019 in Cary, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
CARY, NC - DECEMBER 15: Daryl Dike #9 of University of Virginia celebrates his goal with teammates during a game between Georgetown and Virginia at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on December 15, 2019 in Cary, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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Junior Urso and Ralf of Corinthians they leave the court after losing the match after the second leg semifinal match between Independiente del Valle and Corinthians at Olimpico Atahualpa Stadium on September 25, 2019 in Quito, Ecuador. (Photo by Ruben Espinosa/Agencia Press South)
Junior Urso and Ralf of Corinthians they leave the court after losing the match after the second leg semifinal match between Independiente del Valle and Corinthians at Olimpico Atahualpa Stadium on September 25, 2019 in Quito, Ecuador. (Photo by Ruben Espinosa/Agencia Press South)

Orlando City will begin their sixth MLS season this weekend. Here are three underrated players to keep an eye on in 2020.

In 2019, for the second-straight season, Orlando City finished in a disappointing 11th place in the Eastern Conference. However, 2020 promises much more. Oscar Pareja’s side goes into their weekend opener versus Real Salt Lake on the back of an impressive preseason and with some fresh faces on the roster.

There is hope in the water in Orlando, though not for the first time. But with an experienced coach at the helm, some new blood in the squad, and a lack of media attention, the Lions could be dark horses this year.

Here are three Orlando players to look out for in 2020.

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 18: (L-R) Junior Urso of Corinthians Franco and Mera of Independiente Del Valle of Ecuador in action during the semi finals match during the Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2019 at Arena Corinthians on September 18, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 18: (L-R) Junior Urso of Corinthians Franco and Mera of Independiente Del Valle of Ecuador in action during the semi finals match during the Copa CONMEBOL Sudamericana 2019 at Arena Corinthians on September 18, 2019 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

3. Junior Urso

Junior Urso only arrived in MLS this offseason. He has spent most of his career in his native Brazil, winning the Brazilian Serie A with Corinthians last season, having featured 48 times in all competitions and scoring five goals.

He’s had stints over in China to his name as well, but now at 30-years-old, he should be well-prepared to take on MLS. Orlando City need some steel in the middle of the park and Urso should give them just that.

The Brazilian is a hard-nosed defensive midfielder who can anchor the midfield and provide progression in possession. With Sebastian Mendez and Mauricio Pereyra already in place, Oscar Pareja has the trio of central midfielders to build his 4-3-3 shape on that could provide the cornerstone for Orlando City’s season.

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