[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”67″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_imagebrowser” ajax_pagination=”0″ template=”default” ngg_triggers_display=”never” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]
Here are three things we learned from FC Dallas’ 1-1 draw against the Portland Timbers
Carlos Gruezo isn’t Kellyn Acosta
It’s obvious how much Dallas misses United States men’s national team player Kellyn Acosta, who is out with a hernia injury. There is something missing in terms of linking play between the defense and the offense. Jacori Hayes was doing that job for the first match, but that seemed to change in the last two matches with defensive midfielder Carlos Gruezo given more luxury to push up the pitch. Gruezo excels in his defensive role but as a box-to-box, he struggles. It’s not his fault and no one should blame him for being asked to do a role that isn’t his optimal one. Gruezo and Hayes are a better midfield tandem than Gruezo and Ulloa, which forced the Venezuelan to take even more responsibility higher up the pitch, but overall he just isn’t what Acosta is.
It would be interesting to see Hayes higher up the pitch instead of Gruezo. Hayes got the assist on the Lamah goal, and potentially getting the second-year player higher up the pitch can be a positive. Dallas could have Gruezo focus on defense and what he excels at and have Hayes try to cause problems up and down the pitch.
Was Diego Valeri actually quiet?
Many thought Diego Valeri had a pretty quiet match on Saturday. Timbers head coach Gio Savarese thought otherwise, saying postgame the midfielder “gave [the team] oxygen” in the midfield and played an excellent match. What did Savarese see that others struggled to notice when watching the Argentine play?
Valeri was everywhere. Take a look at his passing map below. He’s receiving the ball deep and contributing the attack. He had the second most key passes in the game, behind the more attack-minded Sebastian Blanco. He actually looked to be the one doing the dirty work, making the midfield go with his distribution and ability to be that link from the defensive midfielder to the offense.
The Timbers were also in a “Christmas Tree” formation, or more of a 4-3-2-1, and had Diego Chara coming back from injury for his first match of 2018. It takes a couple of weeks to get back to knowing where to be tactically and to get the mind sharp. Also, Lawrence Olum is more of a centerback than a defensive mid. He’s versatile enough to play that role, but like Gruezo it’s not his optimal position. When David Guzman comes back, expect to see some better midfield synergy between him, Chara, and Paredes, which can allow for Valeri to be more focused on the attack.
FC Dallas needs a No. 9
Maxi Urruti is one of my favorite players to watch. His constant work ethic is something I admire, going up and down and pressing for the ball. He scores some fantastic goals, too, and when in form he can be a great forward. He is not, however, your natural No. 9. He is more of a defensive forward, always looking to get the ball back no matter where it is on the pitch. He exhausts a lot of energy doing that and sometimes makes odd choices when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net. On the average position chart, Urruti is behind Mauro Diaz, when he should obviously be a bit more ahead.
Cristian Colman was supposed to be that forward, the goal scorer. His price tag made it seem like he was going to be the answer for The Huntsmen, but currently the Paraguayan looks to be another swing-and-a-miss designated player. Colman has the tools to be a good goal scorer. He makes quality runs that are threatening and is in the right spots at the right time. He just can’t get the ball in the back of the net, and that’s an issue when that’s his predominant role.
We’ve seen the mid-season impact a Nicolas Lodeiro can have. Dallas needs a real No. 9. Until the club gets that, it will continue to struggle to get goals.