MLS: 3 new signings who have flourished thus far
The 2020 MLS season is two weeks old and undertaking a hiatus. So, to help reflect on what has come already, here are three new signings who have flourished thus far.
The Major League Soccer offseason was the most active, wide-ranging, highest-spending and league-defining offseason in history. No winter has seen as many team-altering recruitments, trades, signings and sales as this past winter, and it has led to an influx of new talent that are now embarking on their MLS journey.
With the league currently postponed for 30 days due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there is some time to reflect on the first two weeks of action.
MLS: 3 teams to have surprised thus far. light. Related Story
So, with that in mind, here are three new signings who are flourishing in MLS thus far.
3. Younes Namli
Sometimes, it doesn’t take long to notice that a player is special. And for the Colorado Rapids and Younes Namli, that has very much been the case thus far. The attacking midfielder arrived in Colorado as their only Designated Player for the upcoming season. And the early signs suggest that he is ready to shoulder that responsibility.
Namli showed some neat touches during the season opener against D.C. United. Playing in the central attacking midfield position that he is most suited to, the Danish creator showed his penchant for the spectacular, with several slicing dribbles and neat passes. But it was his goal in the Rapids’ second match of the season that fires him onto the national MLS scene.
Namli received the ball on the half-turn in a pocket of space, wriggled away from two defenders, skipped towards the edge of the penalty area, and then arrowed a low finish into the bottom corner. It was a goal that few in MLS are capable of — and that no Rapids player could manage last season. Namli is their dynamite, their match-winner, their moment of inspiration.