It’s hard to put into words exactly what Chris Mueller means not only to me but also Orlando City SC and our supporters.

Chris joined us when he was picked sixth by Orlando City SC in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, a draft created in order for MLS teams to recruit the best college talent.

First impressions of Chris Mueller

Before his big draft, Chris Mueller was playing college soccer at the University of Wisconsin. In his time there, he scored 22 goals in 75 matches between 2014 and 2017.

His attacking prowess, contributions, and eye for a goal earned him the 2017 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year prize.

As soon as Chris joined Orlando City SC, it didn’t take too long for me to be impressed.

From the tweets, coverage and highlights on Orlando City SC‘s official Twitter account, I could tell he was going to amount to something special.

What are Chris Mueller’s best personal attributes?

For me, I think it’s his never-say-die attitude. Chris Mueller always gives 100% in everything he does, both on and off the field.

He was, and still is, an incredibly humble player too.

He constantly speaks about improving himself. He’s proven this year-on-year with consistent goalscoring contributions and assists.

In his time with Orlando City SC, Chris Mueller has scored 20 MLS goals and registered 22 MLS assists.

This is spread across 98 overall MLS appearances, 65 of which were starts.

What else is Chris Mueller capable of?

While he doesn’t always get the amount of goals and assists we know he is capable of, Mueller is still an integral part of our team.

Always initiating attacking opportunities and never afraid to dictate play, it’s true that he can run himself ragged at times.

However, there is a purpose behind his extra commitment.

Chris Mueller is a selfless player, looking to get his team-mates involved via his technical ability and quick, intricate movement.

He isn’t afraid to run at defenders, using his pace and fantastic dribbling ability to beat his opposition full back.

Elsewhere, he recognises when he doesn’t have an opening while choosing to make the pass instead.

He won’t shirk his defensive duties either. In previous seasons, he’s been asked to sit slightly deeper, almost in a right wing back position.

Without a doubt, Chris Mueller will play in the position and style that the coach asks him to play. You will hear no complaints.

Chris is just excited and happy to be on the field, although he does prefer to play direct and attacking football.

Primarily utilised on the right wing, Chris Mueller can switch to left wing if needed.

In his time with the Lions, he’s also played a few games as a number 10 and as a centre forward too.

His versatility and ability to slot into any attacking position is a major strength of his.

Chris Mueller off the field

Beyond his on-field abilities, Mueller is incredibly down to earth too. He acknowledges his weaknesses and criticises himself, even when City supporters feel he’s performed well.

In truth, a move to Europe was inevitable. Early on, you could see that Chris had the mentality, focus and determination to play outside Major League Soccer.

Not only this but recognition with the USMNT too.

Every Orlando City SC supporter is incredibly proud of Chris Mueller, and he’s been a fan favourite for some time now.

Even when we’ve had big names like Nani, Mueller has still stood out and staked his claim as one of the Lions’ most important players.

You will never hear a supporter, coach or team-mate have a bad word to say about Chris Mueller.

Even supporters of rival clubs often have good things to say about Mueller’s professionalism and ability, dreading to go up against him.

Why do I root for Chris Mueller?

Ultimately, for me, Chris Mueller‘s hard work ethic and dedication to the game is the reason I’ve rooted for him since day one at Orlando City SC.

I’m a Sunderland supporter (for my sins), and for years and years, I’ve seen players who haven’t truly cared for the badge. In other words, they were simply there for a paycheque!

This is why so many Orlando City SC supporters are besotted with Chris.

He’s the embodiment of everything a footballer should be, and is the heart and soul of Orlando City SC on and off the field.

Chris Mueller will sorely be missed at Exploria Stadium. But I have every faith in his abilities and believe he’ll perform well in Europe.

I, for one, will continue to follow Chris Mueller‘s journey, as I’m sure a lot of other Orlando City SC supporters will too.

I wish Chris every success for the remainder of his time with Orlando City SC and beyond that in Europe too.

Charlotte Patterson
Orlando City UK Member