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Brandon Vazquez has been a big spark off the bench for Atlanta United this season. While most of the strikers and wingers on the team are smaller and shifty, Vazquez brings a 6’3 stature which creates a different look late in games for Atlanta. Vazquez has essentially taken over the role of Kenwyne Jones, who has been injured for a few months now. Lets take a look at some key moments from him against Sporting KC.
Impact Plays:
This first clip amazes me. Vazquez is great with his feet here in a very difficult spot. A perfect first touch on a difficult pass to read and then the placement of the pass to Jacob Peterson in a great spot to where Peterson could control the ball or draw a foul (he got the latter).
I think in this clip Vazquez was in a really good spot to receive the pass and do something at the top of the box. Maybe Almiron should’ve gone directly to Vazquez but really it’s just a missed opportunity by Asad who didn’t get the ball to either Almiron or Vazquez. I really liked Vazquez’s positioning up top here.
This is something that Vazquez can bring up top that many Atlanta players can’t, size and strength. Working in between two defenders and fighting through it to set up the 91st minute equalizer from Peterson. Credit to Peterson for being in a great spot and finishing well against a very good keeper.
“Almost” Plays:
Great effort by Vazquez to come back and jump the pass and then nearly misses the pass to Almiron. This is the positive of bringing him of the bench late because of his high energy. SKC players have played 82 minutes and then you have the fresh legs of Vazquez to make these effort plays. Plays like these are why Vazquez is quickly becoming one of my favorite players on the team.
Here is yet another play that Vazquez brings that not really anyone else can bring up top (outside of Jones). If he just gets a little more air on this header, Atlanta has a break with Almiron, Asad, and Peterson. While it isn’t successful, it’s a glimpse at what he can bring up top.
It’s clear to see that the big youngster has been an impactful player for Atlanta United. What do you think of Vazquez? Could he be a starter in the future? Would he be more or less effective with 70+ minutes as opposed to 10-20? Comment below!