Today’s training session was a busy picture, full of movement. Players were split into groups of four, including one the coaches called the “young chaps" that consisted of Luke Brennan, Matt Edwards, Noah Cobb and Jay Fortune. The groups rotated to different stations set up on the pitch. One, for example, saw each player juggle a soccer ball a short distance, the goal to use the final touch to put the ball in a trash bin. Each shot into the bin equaled a point.
Two of the stations involved chipping passes, one into an upturned goal that acted like a very large basketball net.
“Technique!” shouted assistant coach Elliot Parrish, probably the loudest of the bunch.
Two of the stations were designed for shooting on a regulation size goal, though these weren’t your typical shots. At one, players were challenged to hit the crossbar in a test of precision. At another, the middle of the goal was blocked out by netting, so players had to curl the ball into one of the upper corners to score. This produced some pretty finishes, including a few off the left feet of Pedro Amador and Alexey Miranchuk – these would be very nice to see Saturday.
The constant movement, the focus on detail, Thursday’s training session was artwork in motion. And if Atlanta United is the composition, then head coach Ronny Deila is the artist behind the brush:
“I have a painting in my head of how the game is going to be, and then you color that painting every day, and when a wrong color is into the painting, then you have to go and adjust it and get something else. That is constant, moving this with these kinds of colors, but it’s in the end to get the team to be effective.”
Coloring in the No. 10 role
A lot has been made of the No. 10 for Atlanta United this season, the position of attacking midfielder. To start the season, Miranchuk played that role, and it’s the position he said Thursday during media availability that he likes the most. Given his elite ability to create chances and find teammates, Miranchuk is a natural fit.
Miguel Almirón has also filled in at No. 10. Miggy started the season on the wing where he could drift in centrally at times. The tactical switch that moved him to the No. 10 position helped initiate the comeback win over New York City FC two weekends ago, and when Miranchuk was limited against FC Dallas with a small groin injury, Miggy had the chance to start at the No. 10 spot.
We’ve seen how those two players can move around the pitch. When Miggy plays there, as we saw during the FC Dallas match, Miranchuk can drop back and play more of a No. 8 or 6. Miranchuk's ability to play the ball forward can help Atlanta move quicker and more directly.
“I know the demand from the number six or eight position,” Miranchuk said. “Play forward. Help to build. Because I’m more of an offensive player, I don’t have, let’s say, the fear to lose the ball in this position… I can drive forward. I can look forward.”
Both players bring a lot of quality to the middle of the pitch where they're able to switch the ball, a key characteristic of Deila’s attack. When asked how he decides which of these players can fill in this role, Deila was adamant these attackers shouldn't be limited and that they can play multiple positions.
“We play what we think is the best team,” Deila said. “We can change inside the games, and they also change themselves inside the game. I don’t see that as a big challenge.”
Molding the attack
Atlanta United’s attack has proven to be dangerous at points this season. The team exploded from the jump, scoring three goals in the home opener, the first of three multiple-goal performances from Atlanta United this season.
After going scoreless in two straight matches against Charlotte FC and New York Red Bulls earlier in the season, Atlanta United went on to score a total of eight goals in its next four matches. So, for Deila, that’s a sign of a progress:
“The last five games, we should have won. We are better than others, but we haven’t been effective enough.”
That efficiency comes with fine-tuning the finishing touch. Atlanta United is certainly creating chances. In their three most recent matches, they’ve recorded double-digits shots. Heading into Matchday 7, Atlanta United ranks 10th in MLS in shots taken (92) and 10th in shots on target (35) per MLSSoccer.com.
And the team can create even more chances. Deila wants to see his playmakers, like Miggy, get into the box more. Last weekend against FC Dallas, Atlanta United took nine corner kicks and had 14 total crosses, proving the team is getting the ball into dangerous areas. It’s just a matter of putting a few more of those chances away.
“Things are going forward,” Deila said. “We are defending very well. And attacking, also. Producing more than we did last year and also more than we did in the beginning of the season. It's a process."
The next opponent: New England Revolution
Atlanta is poised for a breakout match, and it could come Saturday afternoon against New England.
It’s been a difficult start to 2025 for New England Revolution. In six matches, the Revs have won just once, and they currently sit 13th in the Eastern Conference table. At home, the 5-Stripes are 4-1-2 all-time against New England, outscoring them 21-9 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Carles Gil, the 2021 Landon Donovan MVP, is the team’s captain and leader on the season, scoring two of New England's three goals this season. Saturday could mark the return of a few of their important attackers. The Revs also have Argentine midfielder Tomás Chancalay. He’s been out a long time after undergoing knee surgery but could see his first minutes off the bench Saturday. Leo Campana, too, the former Inter Miami striker, missed a few weeks with a hamstring injury but returned to training this week.
Head coach Caleb Porter has challenged his team to find their killer instinct, so Atlanta United cannot fall into complacency.
“We are not in a place that we underestimate anybody or take things easy,” Deila said.
The final piece: Three points at home for Atlanta United
Saturday’s match is the final in a three-match homestand for Atlanta United. It's also an afternoon kick, scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
Atlanta United is looking to end their homestand unbeaten. After a comeback win against New York City FC and a cagey draw with FC Dallas, Atlanta has the chance to get seven points out of this stretch before traveling away from Atlanta back-to-back weekends.
It’s a great time to take the kids to the supporters’ tailgate and enjoy a beautiful spring afternoon of soccer. Remember, it's a 2:30 p.m. kick!
