From the instant their listing of eligible gamers for the MLS Expansion Draft changed into launched, Atlanta United knew they'd be losing someone.
In the quit, it become Anton Walkes who joined Charlotte FC. Though, it can without problems have ended up being talented back-up goalkeeper Alec Kann. Even Jake Mulraney and Emerson Hyndman, in spite of injury, would have been appealing alternatives with lots of MLS revel in.
Ultimately, Walkes was the maximum fascinating choice. The English center-again logged the maximum appearances (33) and minutes (2,773) of any Atlanta United player in 2021. He became first for clearances (122), 2nd for recoveries (215) and interceptions (71), and third for aerial duels gained (60).
While Miles Robinson neglected chunks of the year via international responsibility and Alan Franco took time to conform to MLS, Walkes become a rock. He is ideal at the ball and is fantastically composed, but it was his no-nonsense, powerful protecting that proved so valuable to the Five Stripes.
Most of all, with Walkes' departure, Atlanta United have lost another leader.
The 24-year-antique wore the captain's armband on four activities in 2021 and changed into frequently the primary to rise up and remember when backs had been against the wall. When matters got in particular tough in the direction of the quit of Gabriel Heinze's reign, Walkes confirmed no worry in facing the media, giving an sincere evaluation of his own sport and of the group, taking obligation, and proving he cares.
You want simplest take a look at the reactions from teammates and supporters alike at Walkes' departure to realise just how a lot he became valued in Atlanta.
A shrinking management institution gained't come as a shock to supporters - mainly given the accusations that the club lacks management right from the top. Over the beyond couple of years, through retirement, trades, and various other reasons, Atlanta have lost some large characters.
Club captains and veterans Michael Parkhurst and Jeff Larentowicz are the instant standout names, but core players from the organization that gained MLS Cup in 2018 like Darlington Nagbe, Julian Gressel, and Franco Escobar are all long past, too.
Take the 37-12 months-antique Brad Guzan out of the group and who wears the armband?
