Gedion Zelalem [Midfielder]

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Don’t quite understand why he didn’t take hold at SKC, unless he just didn’t fit with their Workman/physical style. Really hope he gets some burn in our lineup. He’s silky smooth on the ball and could add a great dimension to our passing.
 
if he works hard, he'll fit right in. if he gets lazy on the field about getting back on defense, pressing, etc ... he won't last long. possibly why his skc teammates didnt pass to him? teammates don't like lazy players.
 
if he works hard, he'll fit right in. if he gets lazy on the field about getting back on defense, pressing, etc ... he won't last long. possibly why his skc teammates didnt pass to him? teammates don't like lazy players.

You bring up some good points. As an aside (not pointed at you; just in general) GZ isn't a like for like option for any of our current players.

For those not familiar with his playing style, his best comparison to any previous NYCFC player would actually be Pirlo. While not as legendary (or as good, etc) - he shares a similar playing style. He won't come anywhere near dominating a match physically. He'll look to pick up the ball from deep positions and look to play the ball forward with short or long passes, quick one-twos, floating in and out of certain areas. He may look lazy at times but not necessarily because he switched off, but because it's not his game. You won't see any hard driving runs into the box with the ball at his feet.

He won't really look to beat anyone of the dribble, although he's quite competent with the ball at his feet. He'll likely struggle to hold opponents off the ball as well, and may lose possession cheaply at times. He won't get stuck in. As someone else said on this board, he's a silky and graceful player.

I'm very excited at the promise of his potential while playing for us! He's a nice player.
 
You bring up some good points. As an aside (not pointed at you; just in general) GZ isn't a like for like option for any of our current players.

For those not familiar with his playing style, his best comparison to any previous NYCFC player would actually be Pirlo. While not as legendary (or as good, etc) - he shares a similar playing style. He won't come anywhere near dominating a match physically. He'll look to pick up the ball from deep positions and look to play the ball forward with short or long passes, quick one-twos, floating in and out of certain areas. He may look lazy at times but not necessarily because he switched off, but because it's not his game. You won't see any hard driving runs into the box with the ball at his feet.

He won't really look to beat anyone of the dribble, although he's quite competent with the ball at his feet. He'll likely struggle to hold opponents off the ball as well, and may lose possession cheaply at times. He won't get stuck in. As someone else said on this board, he's a silky and graceful player.

I'm very excited at the promise of his potential while playing for us! He's a nice player.
Good stuff. I remember another poster ( Midas Mulligan Midas Mulligan ) comparing him to Pirlo a couple of years ago.
 
Name: Gedion Zelalem
Joined Club: 1/11/2020
Position: Midfielder
Number:

View attachment 10541

Acquired after Sporting Kansas City declined option following 2019 season.

Announcement: https://www.nycfc.com/post/2020/01/11/new-york-city-fc-signs-midfielder-gedion-zelalem

MLSsoccer.com profile: https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/gedion-zelalem

TransferMarkt profile: https://www.transfermarkt.us/gedion-zelalem/profil/spieler/228370

Twitter:
I think this picture is probably the first time I've seen an adidas shirt's stripes line up exactly with the shorts... or he's wearing a team approved onesie?
 
Good stuff. I remember another poster ( Midas Mulligan Midas Mulligan ) comparing him to Pirlo a couple of years ago.
Yeah boy. He’s got skills and vision.

he may just pull it together. Great thing is we won’t be counting on him week in and out. If he comes through, it’s all gravy. MLS isn’t the best league for him. But he’s got a shot.
 
Per Ronny, Zelalem underwent an “operation” and is out for the remainder of the season. Not sure yet at this moment what procedure he underwent.
 
Per Ronny, Zelalem underwent an “operation” and is out for the remainder of the season. Not sure yet at this moment what procedure he underwent.

this is hilarious to me. guy comes in with a history of injury troubles. literally plays some minutes in one game and injures himself during said game or training, spend months "healing", starts light training again, and now is undergoing surgery. talk about a money pit. it's no wonder his prior clubs shipped him off.
 
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this is hilarious to me. guy comes in with a history of injury troubles. literally plays some minutes in one game and injures himself during said game or training, spend months "healing", starts light training again, and now is undergoing surgery. talk about a money pit. it's no wonder his prior clubs shipped him off.
It makes you wonder if he's just got bad luck or what? Is it his fitness/diet/carelessness? It just seems like this happens continually with him that you wonder if he bears some of the blame?
 
It makes you wonder if he's just got bad luck or what? Is it his fitness/diet/carelessness? It just seems like this happens continually with him that you wonder if he bears some of the blame?

it could just be genetics. he just may not be physically sturdy and injures easily. if that's just how your body is, it doesn't matter how careful you are. if you are trying to perform compared to other elite athletes, it just can't keep up.
 
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it could just be genetics. he just may not be physically sturdy and injures easily. if that's just how your body is, it doesn't matter how careful you are. if you are trying to perform compared to other elite athletes, it just can't keep up.
True.

I grew up playing and habitually sprained my ankle. I watch these guys take serious whacks to the ankles at the pro level and then get back up and keep playing and it completely baffles me each time.
 
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