Designated Players are on the field to change games in big ways. Since the departure of Nani, that’s not something Orlando City has really had. Before you call for my head, I want to stress that the previous sentence is not meant to be a slight on Ercan Kara, Mauricio Pereyra or Facundo Torres. In fact, the trio is leading MLS in overall DP goals + assists. Let me explain.
Pereyra is an excellent player, and at present he is probably the most important component of Orlando’s success when the team plays well. His nine assists in 17 games speak to that plenty, and his range of passing and ability with the ball at his feet are often the key to unlocking opposing defenses.