Emerson Hyndman said he was impressed by his performance in his first game with Atlanta United.
That wasn’t his ceiling.
“I think I can kick it up a few notches,” he said Wednesday.
Hyndman’s first game came in the U.S. Open Cup victory against St. Louis. He has since came off the bench in a loss at Seattle and started two league games, both wins, as an attacking midfielder in a 3-5-2 formation. Atlanta United will play at LAFC on Friday.
Atlanta United acquired Hyndman, a native of Dallas, on loan from Bournemouth in England’s Premier League. There is an option to purchase Hyndman after the MLS season ends.
In four games, Hyndman has shown an ability to find pockets of space in defenses from which he has played off his teammates with smooth passing combinations. On defense, his experience playing in Scotland has shown with tough tackles and positional focus.
“I love when people are knocking at the door and want to be involved in the team, and he’s certainly knocking,” manager Frank de Boer said after the win against Houston in which Hyndman earned his first assist. “I’m pleased with his performance, and I think still he can do better, and I think this is a good start for him.”
Hyndman's production and ability to seamlessly move into the starting lineup can be traced to how he kept himself fit before he arrived, and how he adjusted to his new team after signing in early July.
Hyndman arrived not knowing any of his teammates other than Brek Shea from their time in Dallas, and Mikey Ambrose, who also grew up in Texas.
Teammate Justin Meram said when a player arrives during the season, how that player interacts with and learns his new teammates is important because everything is accelerated.
“These guys have been in preseason together, they’ve grinded, started Champions League, regular season, so the group has been together,” he said.
Hyndman said his teammates made his acclimation easy. He said they showed him the basics of their play. As he has gotten to know them, it has made everything easier on and off the pitch.
Hyndman is used to the process. While in England, first with Fulham and then with Bournemouth, he went on loan several times, including three times to teams in Scotland. Each time resulted in adapting to a different manager, teammates, environment and cultures.
Hyndman has impressed.
“He’s just a good pro,” Meram said. “Right attitude. Got himself fit quick. Adapted well in locker room and on the field.”
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