After 3 games I have an important question, is Hezarkhani better than Luna??? I'm not sure he isn't...
I think right now he benefits from not having much tape on him. Look at how many younger players we've had that had a pretty decent 1st year but year 2 wasn't as good. Time will tell, but right now I wouldn't say he's better overall.
That is a great question. He has some advantages over Luna like his height and maybe speed but it is early days. I think that there is just something a little different with a few of these players like Hez, Sanabria, Solans, Gozo, and Moisa and that is a higher ceiling than many of the other youngsters that have come through RSL. Loffelsend Brody Eneli Caliskan etc. They made the starting 11 because they are near the peak of their talent and ability. They are/were at the peak of their talent ceiling or getting close. Which isn't a bad thing. They are all MLS level contributors and valuable players to have on a team. These new kids don't look to be anywhere near their ceiling. We will see what happens when people come back from injury but these kids are already sitting down other players. I would like to see a Moisa-Eneli pairing in the pivot. That might make Emeka's role more defensive which would free Luca to be more offensive. With Diego Luna the changes in how RSL has been playing might really play into his talents and abilities even more. Especially if he is focused on a more creator distributor role. It could be really good for him. If he sticks to what he was doing last season and trying to carry the ball and the team he might continue to struggle. I was really concerned with his fitness in pre season. That is always a tell with young players that may be distracted with the pull of fame and other responsibilities. Being the young face of MLS and trying to create and enhance your brand and presence in the league to garner looks from other leagues can be a challenge for anyone but young guys can lose a little focus on the product that goes on the field. None of that may be at all what happened. Just speculation from an old guy who has seen so many promising players fizzle out unnecessarily. I have also heard that they may be nursing his knee back slowly from a strain or something so there's that too. I would love to see all of these guys stick around RSL for a season or two but I don't know if that will be possible. It would not surprise me to see Gozo, Hez, and maybe Moisa, all might find a new home before Luna. You might even be able to throw Solans and Sanabria in there as well. These are some rather talented kids. Three games in and the FO can only get kudos from me. Stunned might be the best way to describe my thoughts on how the team and kids have played. It has been something to behold. As a former basketball lover and player that absolutely loved to dish no look, and unexpected passes for easy layups, players like Guilavogui and others with line breaking, defense slicing passes just absolutely do it for me. Moisa has some serious vision. That kid knows where his team mates are at all times and he knows where he wants the ball to go before it gets to him. He either finds a team mate or turns and looks for them. For all of these kids, Luna included, development is not a straight line up but great players are always trending in that direction. Who knows, maybe Marczuk and Barrea figure stuff out. This team could be packed with some borderline generational talent. It's early days but I see players playing level 2 with 8 more possible levels to go. I didn't think I would even be thinking that to start the season. Also, maybe I just never paid much attention but this MLS season is full of talented kids tearing up the league. Pretty interesting to say the least.
I’m curious, since you joined us (thank you, btw) you’ve focused in on Luna and his perception in the league and with rsl fans. What is it about his game that you don’t think is assessed correctly?
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/team-of-the-matchday-nycfc-make-a-statement-vancouver-stay-rolling Gozo deservedly makes it, but as a defender in the back 3 is quite the stretch.
Glad I came on here! I have enjoyed hearing other people that love the team’s thoughts and opinions! A lot more informed and nuanced than any other online/social media forum haha Just the typical Luna stuff really, nothing too crazy: - Goal contributions vs other main guys on their teams, and vs RSL players of the past. Same with chance creation, dribbling, etc. (basically every offensive category really) - Playoff/play-in performances. - Making players around him better. I kind of don’t think he will play much more for RSL though (with the injury/potential call-ups, replacements cooking, a summer transfer upcoming etc.) so it probably doesn’t matter that much.
Another great thing about these kids looking like the real deal, it means teams can just focus on Luna and Gozo which made it hard for us to create chances. There's enough threat to go around that trying to focus on certain players will leave other creative players open to do damage. And we've already started to see how Guilavogi seems to pop up in open space a lot. Should make for some interesting games coming up as players are no longer injured. It'll also mean actually having a bench that can make a difference, something I feel like we've been lacking in over the last few years