If Atlanta United's newest signing puts down roots in the city and with the club in the same way he did at his previous team, then the MLS expansion club will one day look back on July 22, 2016, the day Hector Villalba was introduced, as a pivotal moment in the team's history.
Villalba comes to Atlanta United from San Lorenzo in Buenos Aires, Arg.
He grew up in the shadow of the club’s stadium, Estadio Pedro Bidegain, dreaming of one day playing for the team.
He attended a tryout when he was 10 years old, beating out hundreds of other starry-eyed boys to earn a spot in the academy.
He moved up the ranks, moving to the first team when he was 16, and making his debut when he was 18.
“It’s been a beautiful experience, which is why it’s such a big deal for me (to leave,)” Villalba said through a translator on Friday after being introduced by the club.
But Villalba was ready for a new challenge and Atlanta United was ready for a statement signing.
Villalba is the team’s first Designated Player, which is a kind of status mark in MLS for the players that are paid more, and are supposed to produce more, than others. That he won’t turn 22 until July 26 belies the experiences he gained in Argentina in which he had more than 100 appearances– a durability that impressed Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra – while helping the club win three trophies.
“What we like most is his work rate,” Bocanegra said. “He has the capacity to be high-level, high-fitness all game long.
“Fits exactly what we want for Atlanta United and its players.”
When Villalba learned of Atlanta United’s interest, he began asking friends and teammates what they knew about the city and region. They told him about the city’s diverse culture.
“Now, it’s about getting here and orientating myself,” he said.
Villalba couldn’t name one thing that he would miss about San Lorenzo because he said he was going to miss everything. “It’s home.” But he doesn’t seem like the type to dwell.
“It’s part of my life experience,” he said. “Right now, this is the most important thing in my life. Other things will come, family and what not. But as far as right now, this is the most important thing and I’m just happy to be here.”
Though he looks young with a flat-brim Atlanta United cap, team scarf, and bright blue Dolce & Gabbana tennis shoes that have lime green tongues, Villalba sounds wiser than his age. He referred to the positives of playing for an expansion team with no history and under-construction roster, stadium and training ground, rather than mention the possibility that winning might be tough.
“We are all taking huge steps forward, myself and the club included,” he said. “We want to make it a point to grow together, to grow the team. Obviously we have expectations. All we can do is grow.”
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