Atlanta United is sitting on top of the Supporters’ Shield, but club leadership has always insisted that they are constantly looking to improve the team. And that’s just what they did on Tuesday, signing 23-year-old Argentine central midfielder Eric Remedi from Argentina’s Primera Division side Banfield. He was a key factor in a team that surged into the Copa Libertadores, South America’s premier club tournament, just two years ago, and now he’s looking to take the next step with Atlanta United. So what are fans of the red, black and gold getting in their newest addition?
Background
Remedi is just the latest young South American import coming in to Atlanta United, so his professional career so far is relatively short. The 23-year-old came up through the youth system at Argentine club side Club Atlético Banfield, a team that has been thriving in Argentine soccer for more than 120 years. He made his senior team debut in 2015, becoming a regular starter in the team for the 2016-17 season. He’s been an ever-present piece in the middle of the field ever since in the Argentine Primera Division, and has competed against the best of the best in South America in both the Copa Sudamericana and the Copa Libertadores.
Playing style
Remedi is a bullish, combative central midfielder who excels at breaking up plays from the opposition. Last season he averaged nearly five interceptions per match, demonstrating a keen sense of anticipation and ability to read the attack before it even happens, as well as nearly nine ball recoveries and nearly ten defensive duels per match. He’s energetic, always ready to press the defense and constantly involved, causing havoc for his opponents and breaking up play. But that’s not to say he’s just a tackler –– he has plenty of skill on the ball as well. Particularly adept at long passes, Remedi is a great distributor of the ball from deep-lying areas. Last season he finished with an 83% passing percentage, including nearly three accurate long balls every match.
Where he fits with Atlanta United
So what does all that mean and where does he fit? The club has been looking for central midfield reinforcement ever since Carlos Carmona left the club and that is what they have found. He has experience playing in a defensive midfielder role as well as a little more forward –– almost a mix between what Atlanta United have right now in Jeff Larentowicz and Darlington Nagbe. Atlanta United’s high-pressing defense should be a good fit for his defensive prowess, and the Five Stripes wingers will be chomping at the bit to feast on those long through balls behind the defense that can help stretch out compact teams. He brings tackling, defensive energy and pinpoint passing –– a perfect combination for Tata Martino –– as well as another promising young South American hungry to prove himself with Atlanta United.
In all, Atlanta United have added a complete central midfielder, equally skilled at passing and breaking up the opponents’ play. In Remedi, they can expect another exciting young South American prospect that will be competing for a spot in the starting lineup from day one.
