Six things to watch for with Atlanta United this season:
1. Formational flexibility. Atlanta United went through several formations last season. It started with a 3-4-3, went to a 4-4-1-1, and then a 4-3-3 and then a 3-5-2/3-4-2-1. Manager Frank de Boer has said a few times that he likes his team's ability to switch from three at the back to four, sometimes during games. To gain that ability, the team has stockpiled more versatile players who are capable of playing as a centerback or fullback, or fullback or wingback, or, in two cases, any of the three. Those new players include Brooks Lennon, Fernando Meza and Anton Walkes.
2. An impactful summer signing. Atlanta United has several roster spots open, as well as at least one International spot. It is probable that the team was holding back on at least one signing until the collective bargaining agreement was ratified. The team may have enough money and the roster freedom to spend to strengthen the squad with a player to help make a run to the playoffs and/or U.S. Open Cup.
3. Pity Martinez's impact. Martinez has looked very good in the preseason, even better than he looked in the final third of last season when he truly began to show the talent that resulted in him signing with Atlanta United as a Designated Player. All the tools are there: shooting (three goals in first three games in the preseason), an eye for precision passing, a delicate touch and hustle on defense. He admitted early in the preseason that he felt pressure at the beginning of last season. It's only natural. He was joining as a high-priced player with the expectations of wanting to play well to go to Europe, just like his predecessor Miguel Almiron. Sometimes, it takes time to adjust. De Boer said in his experience it can take six months. It seems that Martinez began to feel a comfort level around six months.
4. Miles Robinson's dominance. If you predicted before the 2019 season that Robinson would play like one of the better defenders in MLS over the next nine months, you aren't being truthful. But, in his third year with the team, but first in the 11, Robinson turned into a top-five defender in voting in the league's end-of-the-year awards. He was dominant in the air and difficult to beat in one-on-one situations. His passing, among the things he worked on in 2017 and '18 while playing in the USL, was much improved. It will be interesting to see if he attempts more line-splitting passes such as the ones attempted by Leandro Gonzalez Pirez the previous three seasons. Should Robinson put together more solid performances this season it seems likely that a club in Europe will come calling.
5. No Nagbe, no worries. There is still much consternation from the team's supporters that the team hasn't signed Darlington Nagbe's clone to move into his vacated spot in the midfield. Nagbe was traded to Columbus in the offseason because he wanted to be closer to family in Ohio. The team has had more than a year to find a replacement. Instead, it seems likely that Emerson Hyndman, who played as an attacking midfielder last year, will drop down the pitch about 10 yards to take over Nagbe's role. Hyndman said it's actually his natural position. The team also added Mattheus Rossetto, who can play as an attacking midfielder or central midfielder. Perhaps a summer signing will be to add more depth in the central midfield.
6. A surprise sale. Ezequiel Barco seems wanted by various clubs in Europe. Pity Martinez wants to eventually play in Europe. It would be stunning if Robinson isn't destined for a club in Europe. Will any of them be sold when the European window opens in August? This is a mealy-mouthed answer, but it depends upon a lot factors: how Atlanta United is doing, what club is making an offer and what is the price? Giving Atlanta United credit, it typically does smart, money-making business with its buying and selling.
