Atlanta United fans got some disappointing news this week as Darlington Nagbe was ruled out for 2-3 months due to an injury sustained against Portland last weekend. Losing a player as skilled as Nagbe is a blow for any team, and Atlanta United will feel it. But the Five Stripes are a squad above any one player, and they’ll have to push on if they want to achieve their lofty goals this season. So who is ready to fill in as Atlanta United’s connecting piece in the middle? Here are five options for Martino with plenty of players ready to step up:
Julian Gressel
Mr. Reliable, Julian Gressel has proven ever since his league debut that he is capable of playing anywhere on the field, and that was acknowledged by head coach Tata Martino after Sunday’s match. Originally deployed as a right winger last year, he has thrived in a wingback role this season –– but his workrate, touch and passing skills translate well to the middle of the park. Gressel actually started his Atlanta United career in the center of the field, and while his move to the wing paid dividends, his growth over the past year and a half could mean he’s ready for the added responsibility of playing more centrally. Considering the form the young German has been in this season, he almost has to be on the field. Moving him to central midfield would allow Tito Villalba – who has shown in his substitute appearances that he is chomping at the bit to get back on the field – to bring his electric speed back to the right wing.
Kevin Kratz
Gressel’s fellow German Kevin Kratz is the other player specifically mentioned by Tata Martino after the Portland match on Sunday. The most like-for-like replacement, Kratz would swap right in to Nagbe’s position, giving Martino the option of playing Gressel or Villalba on the right wing. Kratz has proven to be a reliable player off the bench or in the starting lineup, and showed up particularly well when called up in the starting role against NYCFC. Kratz brings similar tight passing and defensive workrate, and of course that lethal set piece threat for both direct and indirect free kicks. As ever, he’s ready and willing to be a solid, sturdy fill-in for Tata Martino’s midfield if called upon for a longer-term starting role.
Eric Remedi
Atlanta United has been looking to sign reinforcements in central midfield after Carlos Carmona left the squad over the offseason, and the player the club found is coming in at an opportune time. Eric Remedi was officially announced as an Atlanta United player on the same day as the injury, and he will provide crucial cover right away. A great disruptor who brings relentless energy to the pitch, Remedi also brings good long passing that can help keep possession and spring counter-attacks from midfield. But while Remedi is expected to compete for a starting spot right away, he’s still a couple weeks away from officially joining the squad. And once he arrives, he –– like any other player moving to a new team and league –– may need a little time to adjust. So while Remedi will likely feature plenty in Atlanta United’s midfield this season, Tata Martino will have to work with his other options for at least the next couple weeks.
Chris McCann
Chris McCann has been held out of the lineup with injury the past few weeks. But the Irishman could bring some added depth to the midfield once he returns. McCann has thrived in both center back and left back roles since the second half of last year, but he was brought in as a midfielder and is certainly capable at the position. While McCann will probably stick largely to defensive duties, his versatility is another asset for Martino if options in the midfield start to get thin.
The Youth Movement
Don’t forget that there are a few options with the younger players, should Tata Martino need them. Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu recently earned his first start for the club at center midfield in the U.S. Open Cup and Homegrown Andrew Carleton has seen minutes in a central position, while Oliver Shannon and Chris Goslin have both been working box-to-box for ATL UTD 2 to be ready for the opportunity.
Losing a player of Darlington Nagbe’s quality is a blow for any team, but thanks to the squad’s depth and growth since last season, the team is as prepared as it can be for this moment.
