After struggling with attacking options during the 2017 season, United revamped their offense, bringing in a number of new faces to bolster the Black-and-Red's lineup for 2018. The club's offseason moves included acquiring Jamaican Darren Mattocks, Venezuelan Júnior Moreno, and Costa Rican Ulises Segura. United then made one of their biggest moves of the offseason, acquiring standout Argentine midfielder Yamil Asad. Asad, a star during Atlanta United’s inaugural campaign, stands as one of the more intriguing midfield options for head coach Ben Olsen heading into the upcoming season, bringing an impressive and versatile skillset to the District.
In 2017, Asad played an integral role for Atlanta, recording 13 assists (second on the team), seven goals (fourth on the team) and playing the third-most minutes on a roster full of talent. The midfielder helped set the pace for Atlanta's fiery attack with his high work rate, two-way play, and consistent chance creation. Now in D.C., Asad will look to replicate his success and take part in the team's goal of pushing the Black-and-Red back toward playoff contention.
In addition to his finesse on the ball, Asad provides United's coaching staff with crucial versatility. In Atlanta, Asad played primarily on the left wing, though he has also shown his ability to shift centrally or move up top when needed. Given United’s wealth of talented midfielders, such lineup versatility will be critical in 2018.
Asad made his first appearance with the Black-and-Red in their 2-1 preseason win over the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, lining up on the left side while Zoltán Stieber shifted into the middle. Though Asad was relatively quiet during his first preseason match, Olsen acknowledged that he is just getting up to speed, and has the potential to become a major asset for United.
“He hasn’t been with the team as long as some of the others so right now he’s got heavy legs, and we’re getting him some extra fitness to get to the level of aerobic capacity of the rest of the group,” Olsen said after Saturday's match. “It’s always tough to play while you’re working on your fitness but when he rounds that corner he’s going to be a great piece for us.”
Once up to speed, Asad will provide another dangerous dimension to the revitalized United midfield. Last year, the Argentine proved he has the vision to find his teammates and efficiently distribute in front of goal, while also boasting the ability to create space in and around the box and the confidence to bury his opportunities when they arise.
With the Black-and-Red’s grueling early season road schedule, Asad's addition further increases the team's ability to develop a deep, well-rounded rotation in the midfield, comprised of both distributors and finishers. While the first half of 2018's road trip will test players physically and mentally, depth will help preserve fitness, and ideally produce consistent results, before United arrive home to open Audi Field in July and enjoy an extended home stand.
Regardless of where he lines up on the pitch, Asad will provide a solid base of workmanship and savviness that will allow him to make an impact anywhere he plays. And in today’s game, versatility is key.
