Honestly, it almost took a full season to set-in. IIRC, Dome come into the 2019 season like 9-9-4 and then started the season 6-1-8 before finally becoming a real force to contend with. I mostly agree with Gogorath, Herber was the real game changer, but that MLS article points out that NYCFC are 10-2-1 when he starts and 6-3-8 when he doesn't. He really fits in perfectly with Dome's tactical plan.
Keaton is getting a lot of press ahead of his return to his home town, but this article about Armando Pelaez's influence interesting: https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/ke...ronment-that-stressed-freedom-and-creativity/ And also: Is that true? Because hot damn, that's a really solid roster to have.
Also interesting tidbit in this MLS.com article: https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019...e-fc-dallas-nycfc-better-team-any-mls-matchup Dude has such good mentality. All of his coaches have mentioned that, even in Portugal.
Do you have me on ignore? NYCFC is now 10-2-1 (2.38 ppg) in games where Parks features in the starting lineup, compared to 6-3-8 (1.53 ppg)
Oof, Keaton coming off in the 64' holding either his glute or his hammy... and in front of a hometown crowd. edit: and FCD instantly equalizes.
I wonder if the heat also got to him. The commentator was saying that he was missing a lot of passes that he would normally make.
Possible, but seem muscular, as Dome has described him as "doubtful" for Wednesday's pivotal game vs ATL: https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/f...ng-path-that-led-keaton-parks-back-to-frisco/ Also noteworthy in that article: Keaton was approached by and declined FCD's academy to stay with Pelaez, which led him to Portugal. Lastly, high praise in this quote from Dome:
Didn't train today and now listed as "questionable" and officially diagnosed with a hamstring strain: https://www.nycfc.com/post/2019/09/24/injury-report-h-ber-returns-tinnerholm-out As much as I want to see Parks vs Hyndman, I'd almost prefer they rest him, they're nearly guaranteed home games in the playoffs... at this point he's been playing almost non-stop since last August.
Great article from halfspaces on Keaton Parks (i asked if he could do a player analysis and he graciously obliged). https://halfspaces.com/player-analysis-keaton-parks/
Only thing I disagree with is the analysis of his aerial game: Parks is winning 2.7 duels per 90', which is 2nd best on the team. Winning aerial duels is one of his strengths.
I’ve heard this from a couple different people. Actually went in and updated the article. I didn’t see many headers in the games I watched, but I’m willing to hold my hand up when I’m wrong. Thanks for reading.
After the season. So assuming his agent is on the ball he's either going to be sold in Jan or he's going to go on another loan, because it seems doubtful he'll jump their other cm's on the roster.
Thanks for writing the article, I thought it was really good. I found the Thiago Alcantara comparison interesting. Thiago is a much better defender than Parks and more athletic as well, but that's why he's played for Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The similarity is in their ability to resist pressing. Keaton's ability to stay light on his feet while controlling a ball makes him very difficult to win the ball from and he will often beat a man and play a pass up the field, eliminating a line of pressure. He manages risk pretty well, and will play square or back passes when necessary but isn't overly cautious. Press resistant midfielders are a hot commodity in soccer. In our most recent USMNT games it was obvious the team got flustered when pressed and had difficulty retaining possession. Parks can help change that. Versatility is a big part of his game too. He can play alongside any style of central midfielder and find a way to complement their game. I do think he's best in a 3 man midfield due to his athletic limitations.
I keep trying to stay positive about his chances, but unless Florentino's injury is worse than previously thought or Samaris has actually fallen out of favor, there's just no room for him at Benfica. The only other possibility is that either Gedson or Florentino gets sold in January (both are subject to extreme transfer hype), but I'd guess Benfica will fight tooth and nail to keep them (unless, you know, someone meets that €90m they allegedly want for either of them).
Dome Torrent said that Keaton Parks will be out another two weeks - hopefully, ready for the #MLSCupPlayoffs. Anton Tinnerholm is still out with concussion protocol. James Sands will have a test on Monday and may be ready for #DOOP on Decision Day. #NYCFC #NEvNYC #MLS @MLS— Glenn Crooks (@GlennCrooks) September 27, 2019
Light squad for #NYCFC training today with players still returning from International Duty. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and Keaton Parks are back training with the squad.— Blue City Radio (@BlueCityRadio) October 15, 2019 Back training with the squad, also dyed his hair... uh... more blond? RT NYCFC "RT NYCFC: 🎙️ | Our guy keaton_parks debuts a new look (👀) and talks about his career beginnings, the move to Portugal, and his rise #ForTheCity in the latest episode of #NYCFC In Conversation.📺 WATCH ➡️ https://t.co/glF565eHop pic.twitter.com/e8ZabSEvBX"— NYCFC - Westchester (@NYCFC_914) October 14, 2019
They need him whether or not he improves. He’s still an improvement over the likes of what else gets called up.
Maybe he'd be an improvement over the quality of what gets called up, but he won't - can't - produce or, more accurately, catalyze an improvement in performance. THAT requires a coach who's up to the job. Nothing in Berhalter's career to suggest that he is.
If he gets called up I'd just be happy that we have a midfielder who doesn't play inch perfect through balls to the other team. I really am not sure when he's going to get a shot; if he goes back to Benfica then January would be a terrible time to call him up as he has a legitimate chance to earn minutes there. Benfica's midfield has been a problem. They run a 4-4-2 with a more defensive CM and a more offensive one. Florentino Luis had been great, but got injured and is still out. When there, he's a machine, running down balls and making tackles. He'd be a perfect partner for Keaton but I wouldn't be surprised to see him move in the winter window. Ludomir Fejsa has been called in to replace him and has looked old and bad. In the more offensive role, Samaris started out there but has since been replaced by Taraabt. Neither are world beaters. Gabriel has also made 2 appearances recently, including their 3-1 defeat to Zenit in the Champions League. Benfica is 2nd in the league but has not impressed anyone, and they're on the way to crashing out of the Champions League. Bruno Lage should survive but they'll need to make some changes and Parks will be coming back at the right time to do so.
Ahead of NYCFC's playoff clash on Wednesday, more press interviews with Keaton: http://queensledger.com/view/full_s...on-win-at-Citi-Field?instance=home_news_right and more praise from Torrent: That praise did not go unnoticed in the Portuguese press. The Benfiquistas in the comments seem to want him back, but I don't know where he fits, they're crowded in the midfield.