Hector Villalba
Position: Forward
Age: 21 (July 26, 1994)
Nickname: Tito
Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Previous club: San Lorenzo
Atlanta United have signed Argentinian forward Hector Villalba as its first Designated Player, another indication that the club intends to not approach its inaugural season of 2017 as a typical expansion club. The signing was announced by the club Friday after weeks of rumors.
Villalba, who has been rumored to be of interest to several clubs in MLS, is only 21 years old (he turns 22 Tuesday) and has played for San Lorenzo in his native country since 2012, scoring 16 goals in more than 100 appearances. He helped them win three trophies since making his debut with the first team as an 18-year-old. He will go on loan (the team hasn’t been decided) for the rest of the year and re-join the team for training camp in January.
Technical director Carlos Bocanegra cited Villalba’s work rate, age and versatility as some of the elements that the club liked.
“He fits exactly what we want for Atlanta United and its players,” Bocanegra said.
Villalba can play out wide as a winger, or in the middle, making his ideal to fit into almost any formation. He has exceptional speed and crossing ability.
“It’s a great piece to our puzzle and start for us,” Bocanegra said.
Bocanegra said he began following Villalba in October. Keeping in mind that MLS features several Argentinians, possibly because the league in that country is very similar to MLS in its physicality and speed, Bocanegra remained interested.
“It’s a big honor to be able to come to Atlanta and to make my mark as a drop of sand in a big place,” Villalba said through a translator. “I want to be able to leave my mark to show that I can play with the passion that I played for my club.”
Villalba becomes the team's seventh signing, joining fellow forwards Kenwyne Jones and Jeffrey Otoo, midfielders Andrew Carleton, Chris McCann and Junior Burgos, and goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.
The transfer fee wasn't disclosed. Villalba qualifies as a Young Designated Player within MLS rules. That means he is younger than 23 years old. Rules for the 2016 season say he would carry a budget charge (not salary of) of $200,000.
Atlanta United President Darren Eales and Bocanegra have stressed that, because of the team’s long run-up to its first season, their goal was to field a competitive squad.
Villalba, paired with the bigger, stronger Jones up top, is the strongest sign yet of their desire to achieve that goal. It also exemplifies Eales' stated goal of playing an attacking style of soccer.
“Special day for the club, special day for the city,” Bocanegra said.
About the Author
