MLS is Back: 3 new Designated Players to watch

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SEVILLE, SPAIN – JANUARY 30: Giovani Lo Celso of Real Betis competes for the ball with Pablo Piatti of RCD Espanyol during the Copa del Quarter Final match between Real Betis Balompie and RCD Espanyol at Estadio Benito Villamarin on January 30, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images) /

1. Pablo Piatti

When Michael Bradley reworked his contract such that his salary dipped below the DP charge, plenty were excited about what player Toronto FC would add to Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Pozuelo to complete their DP line-up. In the end, the answer was a little underwhelming.

Argentine Pablo Piatti is not a bad acquisition by any means, but an injury-prone 31-year-old who has never played in the league before and has now flamed out in Europe is not the type of signing that successful MLS teams have made in recent years. The league has turned to a younger, more robust DP. The Piattis of the world were seen as old news.

After missing the first two matches through injury, GM Ali Curtis, however, is extremely excited to see Piatti play. Via Michael Singh, he told reporters earlier this month:

"“He’s looked great. He’s been very dynamic. His fitness level is good. He’s been great. It’s been nice to have him on the ball, he’s got a good personality, he’s explosive—very quick, shifty. So it’s nice.”"

Next. MLS: Top 5 attacking midfielders in the league right now. dark

Piatti, then, is fit and ready to play. And adding speed, dribbling, and experience to an already scary team could put the Reds well and truly into the favourites tier.

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