Up there for worst DP league wide.

That feels a bit dramatic lmao. TFC fans would offer up the most recent batch of Italian DPs as an example, as would Atlanta with their $30m group. I'm sure STL, MTL, RSL, NE, FCD and some others would also feel like they've got it a bit worse rn. I'd feel much worse if we had paid more for him

Everyone is eager to find a simple explanation for poor collective performances, but the fact of the matter is that this team has gotten slow, predictable, and complacent over the last 3 games, and that's not just on one guy. We're clearly missing Farsi's speed and Nagbae's calm control.

We also haven't seen them hit the long diagonals or switch the field as quickly as they used to. We keep trapping ourselves into small sided possession along the sidelines with seemingly no intention to move into the box and when we finally do, no one wants to shoot. They want that perfect tap in

Cucho took those shots. He also hit the big switching balls. And no one else has really stepped up to be a high volume shooter (maybe JRR) or consistently play those killer through balls. In turn, we slowly march our way up the field, which is fine sometimes, but you need variety to be effective.

Variety is the spice of life and soccer.

Exactly. It's only chaotic when you aren't the one driving the chaos. Peak Nancyball feels chaotic for opponents cause you didn't really know who or what was coming at you, but there was clear intent about how the team played. We seem to be missing the intent piece these days. Going thru the motions

It’s like watching an AI generated video for the prompt: show me the Columbus Crew playing NancyBall

In roughly 1.2 matches played, Wessam already has a few deft touches and quick passes to unlock runs and shots (trying to remain cautiously optimistic)

Peak Nancyball was centered around a core including two guys who are not just playing in the big boy leagues now, but making huge contributions there. I'm not saying he's not good; he is. But it took a lot of guys being at just the right spot in their development for 2023-24 to play out like that.