WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
SMALL-SIDED: SANDS IN TIME, A CHANGING GALAXY, AND MORE
Watchgridometer returns tomorrow. We're so, so close. Until then, let's talk a about few news items.
1. James Sands returns
There have been hints that this could happen. Either that or it just made so much sense on the surface that James Sands' return to NYCFC ended up being an obvious choice for everyone involved. Especially for NYCFC, who suddenly feel far closer to solidity than anyone who watched their performance against Nashville would have expected. Sure, it didn't work out for him at Rangers, but Sands is still only 22 years old and has already shown himself to be capable enough in midfield to help guide NYCFC to trophies. There's a reason one of the two big clubs in Scotland chased after him in the first place.
Now, the Pigeons have a potential starting double-pivot in their 4-2-3-1 of Sands and Keaton Parks. There aren't many midfield pairings in the league with as much upside. As NYCFC looks for stability after an offseason of change, Parks and Sands together is a warm blanket in the center of the pitch that may be a cornerstone of this team for years to come.
If Santiago Rodriguez ever arrives as reported to take over as the no. 10 role, NYCFC should have enough talent to overcome the exodus of a core that earned them the third-most points in the league over the last half-decade. There will still be question marks. And I reserve the right to continue making jokes about NYCFC starting the offseason three months later than everyone else. But things are looking up in The Bronx, especially considering that they still have one more DP to add at some point this season.
2. Joveljic fills in
There's not a ton to add here. Chicharito is out for a few weeks and the Galaxy will undoubtedly be turning to Dejan Joveljic in a starting role at striker. Obviously, everyone wants Chicharito to be back as soon as possible, but his absence almost makes the Galaxy attack even more intriguing. Even with Chicharito putting up excellent numbers, I think everyone has wondered on some level what they'd be like with Joveljic leading the line. Especially after putting up numbers that, per FBref, put him in the 99th percentile among strikers for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes, the 94th percentile in assists/90, the 81st percentile in non-penalty xG per 90 and the 99th percentile in expected assists per 90.
Basically, when he took the field, a very, very small number of forwards produced at the same level. However, the caveat is that Joveljic made 25 appearances as a substitute and just seven starts. The calculus of everything you do changes as a starter and we don't have enough data points to know how he'll handle the role. Especially not in a Galaxy team that's still undergoing changes before their first game of the season. They just added U22 right back Lucas Calegari, midfielder Uri Rossell and winger Tyler Boyd in the last couple of weeks, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they made another move or two before the primary transfer window closes.
Even with some changes (and some serious question marks on that back line and on the wings), the Galaxy still feel like they have one of the highest ceilings in the West thanks to being able to plug in an attacking talent like Joveljic when needed. We'll get our first look at one of the more fascinating Galaxy teams in a while this Saturday against FC Dallas.
3. Tiki-taka
- Riqui Puig is a DP now. That shouldn't surprise anybody. It's incredibly worth it for the Galaxy. They have a legitimate MVP candidate on their hands. It does mean that they won't be adding another DP this year though unless something happens with Douglas Costa very, very soon.
- A quick shoutout to LAFC's Ilie Sanchez who had a…totally normal and reasonable response to not being first in the Power Rankings? Is that...is that allowed? He is what he said: "I'm not complaining about it. I'm actually excited about this situation, where you are the current champion, and for next season, maybe you're not the favorite, or the only team favored to win it back. So no, I think that this makes this league more interesting compared to other leagues and definitely players, we feel that going into the season … it keeps us on our toes." Big Ilie fan here. Check out Charles Boehm's piece in the Reading Rainbow for more.
- Nashville got Giannis. This is a very, very cool get for Nashville. It's too bad he's only an owner though, it feels like Gary Smith would love a target striker with that kind of size. Look, I’m just saying, haven't owners named themselves managers of teams in the past? Why not just name yourself the starting no. 9?
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Good luck out there. Bring more kangaroos to work.
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