Atlanta United ticked off the primary huge a part of their Christmas wishlist with the signing of loose agent Osvaldo Alonso.
The 36-12 months-vintage midfielder has been without a membership because leaving Minnesota United on the quit of the 2021 marketing campaign and has signed with the Five Stripes on a one-yr cope with an choice via 2023.
“We’re pleased Ozzie has selected to sign with us in free organisation,” Atlanta United vp and technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a press launch. “A validated leader, Ozzie is one of the maximum respected and adorned gamers in our league. His veteran presence on the sphere and in the locker room can be a wonderful addition for our club.”
Bocanegra is right. Over the ultimate 13 seasons, Alonso has notched up 336 MLS everyday-season appearances and every other 30 inside the Playoffs. He's never neglected a publish-season all through that point, and has picked up MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield winners' medals, in addition to four US Open Cup titles.
It's no longer like 'Ozzie' has just been alongside for the trip in the ones successes either. The former Cuba global has been named within the MLS All-Star crew on four separate occasions, while he made the MLS Best XI in 2012.
This is the kind of experience that Atlanta United haven't just lacked in the ultimate couple of years, however have actively parted approaches with. Their MLS Cup-winning side of 2018 has been damaged up, with veteran leaders like Michael Parkhurst and Jeff Larentowicz retiring, even as demonstrated, pro winners like Darlington Nagbe and Julian Gressel had been bought.
There is lots of expertise on this roster, but between Brad Guzan and Josef Martinez at both ends of the pitch, leaders are in brief deliver. For Atlanta United head educate Gonzalo Pineda to bring in a player he both performed alongside and guided as an assistant all through his Seattle Sounders days appears like a smart pass, setting his generals in location.
Of course, Alonso gained't simply be signed for intangibles like leadership and enjoy. Just last season, the midfielder become first amongst Minnesota United for recoveries in line with ninety mins (12.6), and 1/3 for blocks in step with 90 (1.72). He's a formidable defensive presence.
On the ball, he became even more wonderful. Alonso changed into first among Loons players for completed passes per 90 (fifty six.6), third for ball includes (50.3), and fourth for innovative passes (five.22).
Atlanta United have some proficient midfielders but none as properly-rounded as Alonso. Santiago Sosa is a silky passer, however can often go sideways a little too frequently and isn't the most powerful defensively. Matheus Rossetto is steady at the ball but no longer revolutionary sufficient. A completely-in shape Emerson Hyndman has a exceptional engine however isn't as technically talented as those around him. Franco Ibarra is gifted, however tremendously uncooked. The list goes on.
