It’s possible that Pity Martinez and Ezequiel Barco could start an MLS game together for Atlanta United for just the fourth time this season when it hosts the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The two haven’t started the same 11 in a league game since May 5 when Atlanta United defeated Sporting KC 3-0. Since then, Barco left to play in the U20 World Cup, returned and then suffered a knee injury that kept him out until he came on as a sub for Martinez in last week’s 4-3 loss at LAFC.
When both were available, the two were able to start together before because Atlanta United used a different formation than the 3-5-2 it switched to three games. Against LAFC, manager Frank de Boer subbed in Barco for Martinez, with his team trailing 4-2, because he said they play the same position in the formation.
On Friday, de Boer said he can see them starting together, with Barco possibly in the midfield. Pity Martinez has played as a second striker in the formation.
“Sometimes you have to see develop what’s right for the balance of the team,” de Boer said. “I think it can work. Hopefully we will see that it’s going to work. Should be great for the team and the fans to have the best players on the pitch.”
Barco said after playing in Wednesday’s MLS All-Star game that he’s ready to play 90 minutes. Barco was one of the bright spots for Atlanta United before he left to play for Argentina in Poland. His four goals in eight appearances already matched his season total from last year.
De Boer said that Barco has the stamina and desire to play in the midfield, though he still needs to develop in the position. De Boer wasn’t asked what position Barco would play in the midfield, but attacking midfielder would fit his skill set. Barco, Pity Martinez and Josef Martinez, with Darlington Nagbe underneath, Julian Gressel on the right and Justin Meram or Dion Pereira on the left has the potential to light up a scoreboard, especially if the team keeps pressing as it has the previous three games. De Boer said he doesn’t think they can press any higher because if they did they would be pressing the team’s fans.
With Barco and Pity Martinez in the starting lineup, Atlanta United is 2-0-1 in league games with five goals scored and one allowed. Overall, the team is 5-2-1 when they start together.
It remains to be seen how frequently that they may start together.
Atlanta United is in what de Boer called “Phase 4” of the season with five leagues games, a U.S. Open Cup semifinal, and the Campeones Cup before the end of August. It trails Philadelphia by three points for first in the East.
To defeat the Union, possibly win the U.S. Open and defeat Club America in the Campeones Cup will require a deep roster. Atlanta United’s is getting deeper with the returns of midfielders Hector Villalba and Kevin Kratz to training. Fullback George Bello, who has yet to make an appearance in a league game because of a series of injuries, is close to being ready, as is fullback Mikey Ambrose and striker Brandon Vazquez.
De Boer said that every player will have a role and that he will make decisions based upon what he thinks will give his team the best chance to win the next game. There will be forecasting to see which players might perform better against an upcoming opponent, as well as planning for fatigue, etc.
“The best players don't (always) make the best teams,” de Boer said. “I always say, players win games for you, but teams win prizes."
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