New York City FC: New signing Alfredo Morales can help team
New York City FC recently announced the signing of veteran player Alfredo Morales
On Wednesday, New York City FC continued to bring in reinforcements for 2021. The team announced the signing of Alfredo Morales from German club Fortuna Düsseldorf through at least 2023. The German born, United States international player spent his entire professional career in Germany, so the move to New York will be the first time he plays outside of his home country.
Morales is a midfielder who often plays in the middle and as a defensive midfielder. Since joining Fortuna in 2018, the 30 year old has two goals and six assists. This is notable because one would have thought if NYCFC signed another midfielder, then they would have signed a goal-scoring midfielder. Despite the fact the team is scoring goals in preseason, there is no doubt they desperately need someone to assist with scoring, preferably another striker or center-forward.
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Yet, Morales is still talented in his position. He is strong, aggressive, and a physical defender, but can move into the attack when necessary. While he is not much of a creator, he does win aerials often. Also, most of his tackles are successful, which is always a must need in the defensive third. At the same time, he will need to improve his passing abilities, especially since it is a vital part of the NYCFC style of play.
Additionally, the midfield looks to be set with the likes of Maxi Moralez, Keaton Parks, and James Sands. Morales’ signing is a little shocking since he is the type of player who can start in Major League Soccer. It is possible though the Pigeons are thinking about the summer with the international competitions like the Nations League and Gold Cup. Hence, the higher number of possible starters can allow for rotation, and then coverage for when and if any player is away on international duty.
Furthermore, once again NYCFC signed a versatile player. According to Sporting Director David Lee, Morales is “very technical and can fill multiple roles across the midfield”. That enhances the ability for head coach Ronny Deila to rotate his players, and offers coverage for a summer of international competitions. His signing also should make the Pigeons feel at ease in the case of injury.
Plus, with over 200 professional games played, Morales brings experience to a mostly youthful squad. He can act as a leader right away, and hopefully assist in teaching the younger players. Whether he is playing every day, or used when needed, his ability in the midfield and knowledge will be a great addition to NYCFC, and he can help the team. Yes, Morales is not what the people want, but he should be a difference maker in the midfield, especially on the defensive end.
From his leadership to his football technique, Morales is a welcoming signing. As always, he has to prove to Deila and the club he can play for New York City FC. But with what he has to offer, that certainly should not be a problem.