Who is Thiago Almada? What does he bring to Atlanta United?
Atlanta United linked to Thiago Almada
Thiago Almada is yet another Argentine standout who seems destined to join Atlanta United. The Vélez Sarsfield attacking midfielder has been very strongly rumored to the MLS club in recent days.
But who is Thiago Almada? And what does he (potentially) bring to Atlanta United, especially given their struggles this season? A quick look at the young Argentine star, who has created quite a bit of buzz in his homeland as a rising star and a player to watch.
Quick note: Atlanta United is 2-5-8 (14 points) on the year.
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‘Three Things to Know About Thiago Almada’
Thiago Almada is yet another youth international for Atlanta United–
Along with the likes of Ezequiel Barco, currently with Argentina’s U23 national team for the Olympics, Thiago Almada is being groomed as a part of the future for his national team set-up. Barco has a goal in eight appearances this season for Atlanta United.
As for Almada, he has seven appearances and a goal for Argentina’s U20 national team and is a regular contributor (and starter) for the group. The 20-year old hasn’t broken through for the U23 side…yet.
Plenty of big experiences for Thiago Almada –
While he has done well with Argentina at the U20 national team level, Thiago Almada has been a regular for Vélez Sarsfield since breaking through with the senior team in 2019.
He has 38 appearances with seven goals and three assists during his three seasons in Argentina’s top division. That is a lot of time and games for a young player in such a competitive league. Atlanta United is getting a seasoned and experienced player despite just barely being out of his teen years.
How Thiago Almada plays –
Almada is gifted on the ball, able to create on the dribble and distribute the ball to teammates. He enjoys playing up-tempo and always seems to be heading towards goal.
He has very good pace and has a strong shot including the ability to put the ball on frame from distance. He plays centrally but can also float out wide or play either wing given that he has comfort with both feet (although he prefers his right foot).
Social media, which never exaggerates, has termed him Argentina’s ‘New Messi.’ That seems like a good thing for Atlanta United.
In terms of helping an Atlanta United side that has struggled this year, he certainly makes them more explosive offensively. He has some Miguel Almiron in him, something Atlanta United has been missing since the Paraguayan departed two years ago.
He won’t add any bite to the midfield and that should be the most pressing need for a side that has made it a habit to concede leads this year, especially at home. But Almada is an intriguing signing who will help a team that has scored only 14 goals this season, among the worst numbers in all of MLS.