David Villa Departs New York City Football Club

[21Architect]

“Kwame is the type of imposing central defender that is difficult to play against"

I just laughed so hard my eyes are tearing up. Thank you, sir.

 

[Kjbert]

And Villa didn't?!

Don't get me wrong, I'd have gladly taken half a season of Rooney's video game numbers instead of say, Medina last year. But people saying they'd have taken that over a year of Villa? Why insist that our own guy didn't perform at the same level? That's a triumph of narrative over facts for me. Replacing Villa is going to be a lot harder for us than DC replacing Rooney.

I don’t think David Villa turned around the NYCFC franchise last year, no.

 

[adam]

And Villa didn't?!

Don't get me wrong, I'd have gladly taken half a season of Rooney's video game numbers instead of say, Medina last year. But people saying they'd have taken that over a year of Villa? Why insist that our own guy didn't perform at the same level? That's a triumph of narrative over facts for me. Replacing Villa is going to be a lot harder for us than DC replacing Rooney.

We actually played some better soccer last season without Villa. It was heresy to discuss it then, but we mentioned it from time to time. I’m excited to see what Dome can cook up with a full off season and not having to run his attack through one player. It may fail completely, but it will be a spectacle.

 

[Gotham Gator]

To be fair to Rooney, he was here for half a season, and Villa was around for a whole season (and hurt for about half).

It was the injuries that frightened some from wanting him to return.

I also think that Villa provided all the intangibles that Rooney did in turning around DC - work rate on the field, leadership off it, etc.

 

[SoupInNYC]

I think it’s mcnamara for a variety of reasons but mostly because of the versatility in midfield he provides.

What is this versatility he has?

I keep hearing on multiple podcasts about how Tommy provides versatility off the bench in the ability to play multiple positions and I just don't get it. I'd rather have someone on the bench who can play one position well and others not well, than someone who can play multiple positions not well.

Positional flexibility doesn't mean crap when you aren't good at any of the positions you can play.

 

[Kjbert]

What is this versatility he has?

I keep hearing on multiple podcasts about how Tommy provides versatility off the bench in the ability to play multiple positions and I just don't get it. I'd rather have someone on the bench who can play one position well and others not well, than someone who can play multiple positions not well.

Positional flexibility doesn't mean crap when you aren't good at any of the positions you can play.

He can cover for 4 positions on the pitch and he’s a US citizen.

 

[BxLio91]

He can sit anywhere on the bench is what they mean.

 

[adam]

He can cover for 4 positions on the pitch and he’s a US citizen.

Like Danny Bedoya? Would much rather see him get minutes.

 

[NickA]

I think it has to do with how Rooney turned the entire franchise around. Goals and assists don’t tell the whole story.

From the few DC games I watched, it did seem like Rooney elevated everybody's play around him and made them better. I can't say the same for Villa this year. Don't get me wrong, he did make that impact previously but that edge/spark was lost this year IMO.