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In the week where Orlando City SC were preparing for Saturday’s game at New York Red Bulls, there was a further boost for the Lions in the transfer market.
Successfully trading Luis Gil for Colorado Rapids’ Dillon Powers in a last minute deal on August 9th, the club revealed his arrival yesterday.
Coming less than a week after Jason Kreis‘ side recruited Peruvian Designated Player Yoshimar Yotún from Malmö FF, the Lions now have an abundance of options in midfield.
This of course begs the question – where will Dillon Powers be lining up in Orlando City SC‘s starting eleven?
Purple looks good on @powerhour5. ? #WelcomeDillon pic.twitter.com/5ryHY27Pwa
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) August 10, 2017
A game changing link in midfield?
A hugely experienced player in Major League Soccer having made 139 appearances for Colorado Rapids since 2013, you’d imagine that Dillon Powers has been bought as a starter.
Particularly skilled at unlocking opposition defences with accurate through balls, Powers’ signature could prove vital with Cyle Larin and Dom Dwyer requiring better service.
A positive selection dilemma
Dabbling between a flat 4-4-2 and a 4-4-2 diamond in his time in Central Florida, Jason Kreis now has something of a midfield selection dilemma.
Right now, you’d fear for Antonio Nocerino‘s place in our strongest starting with the Italian not really kicking on after some improved performances at the start of 2017.
With numerous options who can anchor Orlando City SC‘s midfield including Nocerino, Servando Carrasco, Cristian Higuita and Will Johnson, Powers is likely to be deployed further forward.
A message for The Wall, on The Wall. #WelcomeDillon pic.twitter.com/VnJ5pC0V64
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) August 10, 2017
Where has Dillon Powers been playing?
Orlando City UK compiled some research to see where Dillon Powers has been lining up for Pablo Mastroeni’s Colorado Rapids in 2017.
Making 12 starts for the Western Conference side this season, Powers failed to start Rapids’ last five MLS fixtures signalling a change in direction by Mastroeni.
A box-to-box midfielder, Powers is capable of playing in any central role but the majority of his starts came in central midfield this year.
vs REVS (HOME) – CAM in a 4-2-3-1
vs NYRB (AWAY) – CAM in a 4-2-3-1
vs MNUFC (HOME) – SUB
vs SKC (AWAY) – CM in a 4-4-2
vs RSL (HOME) – CAM in a 4-2-3-1
vs MNUFC (AWAY) – CDM in a 4-2-3-1
vs OCSC (AWAY) – CDM in a 4-2-3-1
vs CAPS (HOME) – CDM in a 4-2-3-1
vs QUAKES (HOME) – CM in a 4-4-2
vs FIRE (AWAY) – CM in a 4-4-2
vs UNION (AWAY) – SUB
vs SKC (HOME) – CM in a 4-4-2
vs CREW (HOME) – CM in a 4-4-2
vs TIMBERS (HOME) – SUB
vs GALAXY (HOME) – SUB
vs ATL (AWAY) – CM in a 4-4-2
vs DYNAMO (HOME) – NOT IN SQUAD
vs SOUNDERS (HOME) – SUB
vs TFC (AWAY) – SUB
vs QUAKES (AWAY) – SUB
vs CAPS (HOME) – NOT IN SQUAD
…
OVERALL
3 out of 12 starts as a Defensive Midfielder
6 out of 12 starts as a Central Midfielder
3 out of 12 starts as an Attacking Midfielder
This has all left us wondering whether this is actually Orlando City SC‘s strongest XI right now.
