New York City FC: New signing Malte Amundsen has potential
On Friday, New York City FC announced their first signing of 2021: left-back Malte Amundsen. After a negative start to the off-season, this announcement is a welcoming sign. Plus, Gudmundur Thórarinsson, or Gudi, is the only player who can consistently play at left-back. Hence, the Pigeons filled one of their needs for the new season.
Amundsen, who just turned 23, started his professional career at HB Køge. He also played for Rosenborg BK, but spent most of his time on loan with Eintracht Braunschweig. Recently, he spent two years with Vejle Boldklub in his native Denmark, where NYCFC swooped him up.
According to NYCFC.com, head coach Ronny Deila had nothing but praise for the new signing:
"“Malte is the type of left back we were looking for in this transfer window. He is a very good 1 v 1 defender and likes to get stuck into tackles. His work rate is incredible, and he will give everything he has for all 90 minutes. Modern full backs must be able to attack and Malte likes to get forward and provide service into the box. We’re looking forward to getting him into preseason with us. I know he’ll fight every day to make this team and himself better.”"
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Meanwhile, the defender has a decent pace, and can move up the pitch easily. He likes to get into the attack, but is nowhere near the attacking fullback that Anton Tinnerholm is.
That being said, Amundsen did have two goals and five assists in 59 appearances at Vejle. With the attacking style of NYCFC, it would not be shocking if he turns into that attacking fullback fans want.
There is also room to improve his passing. In comparison to Gudi, the Danish player’s passes completed percentage is lower, but does beat Gudi on aerials. He is also stronger regarding duels and duels won during a match, but Gudi makes slightly more tackles.
Additionally, there is concern about whether he will be a worthwhile signing. Part of this worry stems from the fact he played in lower-tier leagues for most of his career. But his potential is clear, otherwise, New York City FC would have never signed him.
Therefore, there is no guarantee Amundsen will be the starting left-back. There will be competition between him and Gudi, and per Sporting Director David Lee, the club ‘prioritized getting competition in at that position’.
Possibly, both might split the starts at the beginning of the season. Also, Gudi has the edge regarding experience, and already knows Deila’s style. So, the club might give their new signing time to adjust. Yet, both players still have an even chance to fight for that left-back position, and prove they deserve to start.
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In the end, no one knows how well Amundsen will perform for New York City FC. The 23-year-old has to put in the work, and the club and Deila must help him develop properly. What is guaranteed though is that the young player has the potential to be a top-performing left-back within the league. And who knows? Maybe Amundsen will hit the ground running.