Atlanta United Vs New York Red Bulls: 3 things to watch for – Question galore
By Josh Bouland
2. Star power needed
Atlanta United are a team full of talent and stars, even without Josef Martinez. Yet, the squad routinely relies on the Venezuelan’s attacking brilliance. Now, the Five Stripes must carry on without their talisman. Fortunately for Atlanta, there is a wide range of talent to lean on.
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Gonzalo Martinez and Ezequiel Barco, whose total transfer fees top well over $25M, are the most likely players to step up in Josef’s absence. Before the league shut down in March, both attackers finally started to click into gear. Barco scored two goals in two games, while Pity notched an assist. They need to continue that production if Atlanta expects a deep tournament run.
The Five Stripes’ other new attacking signings must provide in the final third too. Mattheus Rossetto didn’t see much game time before the shutdown, but he should factor in heavily, especially with expected squad rotation. Manuel Castro and Jake Mulraney will offer speed on the wings and Brooks Lennon must do his best to replace former midfielder Julian Gressel’s attacking production from a deeper starting position.
It will be a team effort to replace Josef Martinez’s contributions, but unlike other teams in the league, Atlanta has talent aplenty to do so.