DC United enters the season with a new manager at the helm for the first time in many, many years. New man Hernán Losada will make his number one priority turning this team around and get them back to producing good entertaining football.
Losada has brought some new faces with him to the team, some through transfers and the Superdraft, while the returning squad has some promising players deep into the roster as well. Who will be the breakout star for DC United of 2021?
DC United has a few young guys looking to break their way into the team. Players like Yow, Nyeman, Paredes, and Pines. With a new coach looking to employ every asset he has those players should find more opportunities. Losada wants to play high-pressing, attacking, vertical soccer. He wants to play with very high energy, emphasis on very, with an eye towards goal. He likes long balls over the top and his wingers to use the space. This will open up a lot for Griffin Yow.
Yow is an 18-year-old homegrown for DC, he represented Loudon United as well as the U17’s for the United States. He signed his pro contract in 2019 and really began establishing himself as a player in 2020, getting more and more minutes as the season went on. He finished the season with 15 appearances, most of them coming on the back end of the schedule.
He’s an exciting player down the wing. He’s young, he has good speed and energy. This energy and fresh legs will be a big benefit to him under Losada. Losada’s fast-paced system will give him plenty of room to use his motor and get in space. He primarily plays on the left side, preferring to pull it back on his right foot and strike, he’s a good finisher as well.
He bagged his first two goals for the top flight in 2020, his first goal being an incredible poaching strike, after a poor-headed clearance. He has good instincts, always trying to sniff out goals. He plays hungry and he plays smart. This is exactly what Losada wants to see.
If Yow can continue to develop and round out his areas to get more consistent overall. He can be a difference-maker for Losada and DC United.
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