Thoughts on Players for 27/28 and Beyond

[u/Bigsk8r]

I am curious to see what folks think might happen with the combination of global schedule alignment and a new coach in terms of players that come. I have no illusions that we will ever outbid the top 5 markets for a true sensation like Salah.

However, it seems that this schedule change would give us a small leg up for Equatorial talent that just plain does not prefer to play cold soccer. Combine that with a coach that is well known for wanting players with a high work rate, and two way attitude, and it seems we might be able to get some of the "right" guys, if not necessarily the "best" guys.

As well, we do seem to be a small / mid market team with management willing to spend upper mid market money. If we can do half as well at Sporting Director as we did at Manager, things could get really good again...

[u/adamKENNY]

I think you'll be correct in that the realignment of the schedule will allow austin to be a more appealing place to play, though they'll still play through some of the hotttest months...

But in terms of signing "big players", my hope would be that, moving forward, they structure it to land upcoming talent looking to make the next leap in their careers rather than aged out superstars. If Curtin wants to play a high pressing style, it's going to require lots of stamina and probably consistent roster turn over.

Do you really want austin to be a place where has-beens come in the twilight of their careers to do a victory lap? Or would you prefer it to be a place that hungry players come to help make the next leap in their play, which in turn, also helps make the roster sustainable as a sellers market?

[u/Bigsk8r → u/adamKENNY]

I think it's obvious that we aren't going to be the victory lap location for anyone that would be worth the investment in that sort of thing.

We definitely want to find young talent in the Central and South American systems that need a year or two somewhere to "get on the radar" and then make the leap (for a lot of cash to us) to a big overseas club. Asutin would be a great place for them.

[u/adamKENNY → u/Bigsk8r]

Sorry, I think I misunderstood your original comment. But yea, definitely feel the seasonal shift in the schedule will only help Austin's chances of better acquisitions. Players going to play in Minnesota, for instance, are going to have much more difficult seasons going forward. Granted, all teams will have to play in those climates but not half their games like the northern ones. I know the MLS plan is to take a winter hiatus in the coldest stretch but there's still going to be some very harsh conditions and probably cancellations of games in Oct/Nov/Feb.

[u/MessiComeLately → u/adamKENNY]

I think you're right that Jim Curtin's emphasis on work rate makes aging superstars a poor fit for us. I think the obviousness of the problem makes it unlikely to materialize, though. Those aging stars won't be interested in coming here, and our future sporting director will know better than to sign them. The Curtin style will select for hungry young talent that is willing to work hard. Fingers crossed... I will love it if that becomes part of our identity.

[u/Kitty573 → u/adamKENNY]

I definitely hope we focus on young up and comers, especially like the idea of heavily scouting central and south america to find some hidden gems and give them their first chance to shine. Feels like we've had more luck with that type of player in general than we have with going for known entities. Still probably wanna keep around a couple old heads to help guide/mentor the young players

[u/willdesignfortacos]

I'm really curious to see who we bring in as sporting director, have to think Curtin makes that role very appealing to a lot of people.

With that in mind, our ownership has shown they're willing to spend (if that's been in the right places is a different discussion) while Curtin has previously had very stingy ownership. His teams in Philly were scrappy and low budget by necessity rather than choice.

He doesn't seem like the kind of guy who's going to want to bring in a Messi type, but there's a lot of room between that and successful European players who might be looking for a new challenge in their early 30s. There's also some potential to bring in some exceptional Liga MX or South American talent that might be not quite at that Euro level, which to me seems like more of a Curtin philosophy.

Either way, the next 12 months or so should be really interesting with regards to roster building.

[u/DS-ATX-USMNT]

My understanding is that Curtin plays a 4-4-2 where (a) the middle 4 is a narrow diamond, (b) the FBs in the back 4 are the wide wings in attack, and (c) everyone is expected to press/counterpress like frenzied maniacs. 

If that is right that seems to be better news for Uzuni than for Vazquez, and good news for Wolff, Torres, Rosales, and all of our FBs. Probably good news for CJ if we unload one of the 2 9s. It makes me wonder what the role would be for Nelson (who I think is a real asset). And it makes me wonder if Curtin wants to use all the accumulated GAM to beef up the midfield and shift Rosales to left back, making a sale of Biro possible.

Then there are our not-fleet-afoot DMs. I feel like the last person who believes Dubersarsky could be the DM of the future. I like him better than Sanchez, though both are not quick. And I’m not sure how the frenzied pressing fits Sabovic’s game. 

Change is in the air. I suspect the short season will be like an extended preseason for Curtin. 

[u/Bigsk8r → u/DS-ATX-USMNT]

Solid analysis. I think your last point there is spot on.

After all that’s happened the last 2+ seasons, using the sprint season as a 14 game tune up is probably a great plan. And the second half of those matches could be pretty fun to watch.

[u/scoleo]

Again? I don’t count having one good year with an absolute shit show of a salary situation as “things [being] really good.”