Kai Wagner has become one of the biggest pieces to this Philadelphia Union’s success. While Wagner is one of the main moving parts of the back four of the Union, his elite ability to both move the ball forward and create chances in the final third has become a mainstay for this roster and ultimately the success of this team. Wagner usually plays with an edge, but this season, it seems like he has crossed that line and has been letting his frustrations get the better of him. Seeing the way it boiled over and consumed Wagner in the loss to Orlando City SC in their previous game is not something we are typically used to seeing from this team or Wagner himself.
While the Union play a physical and gritty type of game allows for guys like Kai Wagner and Jose Martinez to play an annoying style of game. It’s similar to being a pest. We have seen Martinez get under the skin of opposing teams. There has always been a fine line though. Playing this style of game needs the players to stay calm and under control. Letting frustration and overall anger consume you ultimately changes how you play and will cause that fuse to ignite.
While it was clear and evident that Orlando City SC was time wasting in the last 20 minutes plus, Wagner has stay composed. Wagner was lucky to not receive a red card for his actions. While he is clearly one of the leaders on this team and is not afraid to stand up for his teammates and take exception for dirty plays. This team is like exactly like that of a family and each player will defend their brother.
In the most recent case, it was Wagner taking exception to the bodies flopping on the ground and stopping play. The frustration for the entire team over the last two games boiled up and Wagner let everything out on that play. Throughout the game, his passion, drive and overall willingness to do whatever it takes to win was evident and present for Wagner. Sometimes, it did feel like his passion and drive outweighed everyone else’s on the pitch, but that doesn’t mean he can let the frustration get to him.
I understand his offensive side of the game has not been as prevalent as it was last season, but the entire team has had a slow start to this season. Seeing Wagner have as much pride for the team and kit that he wears is something to marvel at, but once he finds his center and finds balance, I believe his overall game will return. Wagner has shown flashes of his form from last season, and it is only time until he is deadly on all three sections of the pitch.
If the Union expects to turn around the slow starts and overall weak play early on in this season, it will start with the backs and Kai Wagner.