Atlanta United Player Ratings Palooza

We’re about 2/3ish through Atlanta United’s inaugural season. By all accounts, it’s gone about as well as expected for an expansion team. While the club currently sit in sixth in the East, five points clear of the daunted red playoff line, the form trend is certainly headed upwards. Riding a six-match unbeaten run and holding matches in hand over their playoff position rivals, things are looking bright for the Five Stripes’ chances at postseason soccer in year one.

While we wait out this long two-week break, let’s use this time to look back at the first 22 matches of the season. After every match this season we’ve polled our community to get your player ratings. I’ve gone back through every single results post and tabulated every rating of every player.

Before I break it down player by player, here’s a few interesting facts:

Four Atlanta United players have played in every league match this season. Miguel Almiron, Tito Villalba, Michael Parkhurst and Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. Of the four, only Almiron hasn’t started every game. He’s come on as substitute twice this season thanks to international duty.

The highest rating of the season was given to Miggy (9.8) thanks to his hat trick against Houston Dynamo in a 4-1 win at home. The dubious honor of having the lowest rating all season belongs to Tyrone Mears (2.8) in the 2-1 loss away to D.C. United.

Alec Kann (Season Avg. Rating: 6.8)

Decatur native Alec Kann began the season in between the sticks for Atlanta. Despite his inexperience as a starter in MLS, he did about as well as anyone could’ve expected. Acting as a stopgap until Brad Guzan arrived in July, Kann started 18 matches and kept four cleansheets before picking up an injury just before Guzan was eligible to play.

Highest Rating: 8.4 at TFC (2-2 Draw)

Lowest Rating: 3.6 at DCU (2-1 Loss)

Tyrone Mears (Season Avg. Rating: 5.6)

Acquired from the defending MLS Cup champion Seattle Sounders, Tyrone Mears began the season as Atlanta’s starting right back and appeared to have a firm grasp on the job. However, as the season began to progress, Mears’ performances continued to slip. Ultimately, he lost his starting job to Anton Walkes about halfway through the season and hasn’t seen the field in league play since.

Highest Rating: 7.1 vs. CHI (4-0 Win)

Lowest Rating: 2.8 at DCU (2-1 Loss)

Michael Parkhurst (Season Avg. Rating: 6.2)

Arguably Atlanta United’s most consistent performer, Michael Parkhurst was handed the captain’s armband and has not disappointed. It hasn’t been a perfect season for the former U.S. international, but he’s solidified the back line with his veteran presence and leadership.

Highest Rating: 7.6 at MNU (6-1 Win)

Lowest Rating: 3.8 at DC (2-1 Loss)

Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (Season Avg. Rating: 6.4)

The second half of Atlanta’s consistent center back tandem has been Leandro Gonzalez Pirez. He and Parkhurst have gone from complete strangers to starting every MLS match this season together and forming a formidable partnership. There have been some growing pains, but I can’t imagine that Darren Eales and company would’ve dreamt of having a settled back line they can rely on like they have had this season. The addition of LGP has been a godsend for the Five Stripes.

Highest Rating: 7.8 at SEA (0-0 Draw)

Lowest Rating: 4.2 at VAN (3-1 Loss)

Greg Garza (Season Avg. Rating: 6.9)

One of the biggest reasons for Atlanta’s surprising defensive stability this season has been Greg Garza. If there was a “Mr. Consistent” award, he would be a strong candidate for it. He’s been a rock defensively, but he’s also added an attacking element on the left flank. He’s consistently been the highest rated defender for Atlanta as his season average shows.

Highest Rating: 7.9 vs. SJ (4-2 Win)

Lowest Rating: 5.1 at NYCFC (3-1 Loss)

Carlos Carmona (Season Avg. Rating: 6.3)

After getting off to a rocky start in the opening match of the season with a foolish red card against RBNY, Carlos Carmona has been a solid presence in the midfield for Atlanta. He hasn’t been spectacular, but he’s held down the middle of the field alongside Jeff Larentowicz as they’ve formed sort of an unsung hero partnership. The Chilean doesn’t play the hero passes, nor does he add much of an attacking thread (he does have one really nice goal and a total of two), but he’s constantly there to break up plays and to keep the other team’s best attackers in check.

Highest Rating: 7.3 vs. SJ (4-2 Win)

Lowest Rating: 4.9 vs. RBNY (2-1 Loss)

Jeff Larentowicz (Season Avg. Rating: 6.4)

Probably the most surprising thing about Atlanta United’s season has been the emergence of “Larry” as a vital player for the squad. Tata Martino began the season with Julian Gressel sitting in a midfield role alongside Carmona. That soon evolved to the Carmona-Larry pairing we see now with Gressel shifting over to the wing. It could be argued that the formation of that midfield pairing turned Atlanta’s season around and give them a reliable tandem in midfield to allow the attack to thrive.

Highest Rating: 7.3 (x2) vs. NYCFC (3-1 Win), vs. COL (1-0 Win)

Lowest Rating: 4.6 at NYCFC (3-1 Loss)

Julian Gressel (Season Avg. Rating: 6.3)

It’s been a very up and down rookie season for Julian Gressel. Position changes and lineup tweaks have caused him some trouble, but it appears he’s settled into his current role as a winger. The No. 8 pick in the SuperDraft has three goals and six assists while starting 18 of 22 matches this season. The injuries to Josef Martinez have helped him gain a ton of playing time and he’s done very well to help cover up the lack of the Venezuelan’s production. Consistency has been his biggest issue as lulls in form have crept up on him several times this season. That’s to be expected for a rookie, however.

Highest Rating: 8.8 vs. NYCFC (3-1 Win)

Lowest Rating: 3.9 at NYCFC (3-1 Loss)

Tito Villalba (Season Avg. Rating: 6.6)

Consistency may not be the first word that comes to mind when describing Tito Villalba’s debut MLS season. However, something has to be said for his durability. Starting all 22 matches so far is impressive. It’s important for a manager to have a reliable important attacking player in the group. It also helps that he’s the team’s leading scorer with 10 goals on the season. While he may have some frustrating performances that make you scratch your head, it’s hard to debate the numbers. Tito is a vital cog in the Atlanta machine and he’s lived up to his Designated Player tag.

Highest Rating: 9.1 at CLB (2-0 Win)

Lowest Rating: 4.4 at NYCFC (3-1 Loss)

Miguel Almiron (Season Avg. Rating: 7.5)

What is there to say that hasn’t already been said about Miggy? He’s Atlanta United’s “it” man. He does everything. Scores, creates, defends, links from back to the front. He’s the straw that stirs the drink. Enjoy him while he’s here. It likely won’t be a whole lot longer...

Highest Rating: 9.8 vs. HOU (4-1 Win)

Lowest Rating: 4.8 at NYCFC (3-1 Loss)

Yamil Asad (Season Avg. Rating: 6.8)

Leading the team in assists and T-2 overall in the entire league, Yamil Asad has been a very pleasant surprise this season. Not a ton was expected after his loan signing from Velez Sarsfield as he was a bit of an unknown. He has struggled at times with dips in form, but overall, he’s been a fantastic part of what makes Atlanta United who they are. He’s cemented himself as a sure starter on the left wing and as a fan favorite. Here’s to hoping this isn’t the only season he’s around.

Highest Rating: 7.9 vs. CLB (3-1 Win)

Lowest Rating: 5.1 at VAN (3-1 Loss)

Josef Martinez (Season Avg. Rating [9 Matches]: 7.7)

While Miguel Almiron is the team’s most talented player, it could be argued that Josef Martinez is their most important. Unfortunately, we just haven’t gotten to see the dynamic striker enough this season to form a strong opinion. With 9 goals in 9 games (6 starts, 3 sub), it’s clear that he’s vital to the team’s attack. When he’s been out, the team haven’t looked as explosive as a unit. Hopefully we get to see a full-strength Josef and Atlanta United as the team fights for a playoff spot down the stretch.

Highest Rating: 9.6 at MNU (6-1 Win)

Lowest Rating: 5.1 at CHI (2-0 Loss)

Anton Walkes (Season Avg. Rating [9 Matches]: 6.1)

To say Anton Walkes’ Atlanta United career got off to an inauspicious start would be an understatement. Scoring an own goal with literally his first touch in the inaugural game, it all could’ve gone wrong for the Tottenham Hotspur-owned defender during his loan. Instead of sulking, he kept working hard and eventually took over the starting right back job for the struggling Tyrone Mears. He’s started six straight matches for Atlanta at right back, all six of which have seen the club win or draw. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. He hasn’t been spectacular, especially in the attacking end where he leaves a lot to be desired. But, his aggressive defense and physical presence has undoubtedly been an upgrade on the back line.

Highest Rating: 7.6 vs. SJ (4-2 Win)

Lowest Rating: 4.1 vs. RBNY (2-1 Loss)

Best of the Rest

Kenwyne Jones: 5.7 in 12 matches

Chris McCann: 5.7 in 12 matches

Jacob Peterson: 6.4 in 4 matches

Mark Bloom: 6.1 in 2 matches

Kevin Kratz: 6.1 in 13 matches

Brandon Vazquez: 6.8 in 11 matches

Mikey Ambrose: 5.4 in 4 matches

Kyle Reynish: 5.7 in 1 match

Brad Guzan: 7.8 in 3 matches