Strength in Depth, 2012: The Midfield

Yesterday, we went through the changes to the goalkeeping and defensive positions on the pitch ahead of the new season. Today, following with that trend, I'll get into the midfield changes. There's not any real news today, so let's just jump headlong into it.

The Midfield

In the middle of the park, we saw our biggest departures. The inimitable Andy Williams, the original he is, retired and was shifted to the back room staff, leaving a gap in the midfield that will need replacing. Also departing was Arturo Alvarez, who was rather a flop; Collen Warner, who showed much promise but perhaps hadn't been fully ready for the league last season; Jean Alexandre, who was never really trusted as a defensive midfielder; and Nelson Gonzalez, who was struck by injury last season and didn't get a chance to shine — and didn't have his loan extended for financial reasons.

Four departures in the middle meant that we had to look both inwards and outwards for players to make up the gap. Ned Grabavoy, who we managed to keep past the expansion draft — much to my surprise — will be expected to step forward for Andy, filling a more veteran role in the squad and a right-sided role in the diamond. During pre-season, he's shown an attacking flair we didn't see much in 2011, and if that continues, we'll be immense.

We can also expect the still-young Luis Gil to continue his great leap forward (one of a markedly different sort than any political implications that might have). He's likely to make more appearances in the box-to-box spots in the diamond than he had, owing partially to his development as a player and partially to the needs of the squad.

We also drafted quite well: Enzo Martinez and Sebastian Velasquez, two vastly talented young attacking midfielders, could come in and make marks in their rookie seasons. If I were to take a wild guess, Sebastian Velasquez was given more time on the pitch in the pre-season than perhaps any other player in advance of a move toward time in competitive matches. Kreis and company have been rather coy about how much time he'll see this season, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were more than a few cursory minutes here and there.

And let us not forget Jonny Steele, whose killer left foot could be essential as we look to break down sides who defend deep. His vision and ability to pick a pass from nothing might help in the goal game going forward. This will be a step up for him in terms of the rigamarole of competition, but I'd imagine he'll grab it with both hands.

With our core still around, we're in a strong position barring injuries. If these new players can make their mark, we'll be a feared side, even with players departing for international duty, the inevitable injuries, and general rotation needs. I've written about the tactical approach I'm guessing Jason will take in the midfield, and that's largely because we look like we'll have a more attack-oriented midfield. So long as they get back and defend, we've little to worry about.

As for players who are still around, we're strong. Very strong. Kyle Beckerman and his back up, Yordany Alvarez, solidify the defensive point in the diamond, while Will Johnson and Ned Grabavoy should start when fit, and Javier Morales and the young Mr. Gil should fit the playmaking spot with the utmost of sumptuous skill.

Tomorrow, the forwards. In two days? The season.

Let's get on with it.