Finally!
On Wednesday, the Montreal Impact signed their third Designated Player since joining the MLS. Ignacio Piatti will join the Impact sometime during the month of August after his current club in Argentina, San Lorenzo, are eliminated from the Copa Libertadores. Piatti will help fill the void left by Hernán Bernardello’s departure two weeks ago. The latest DP signing coming to Montreal has played for Saint-Ètienne, Gimnasia LP, Independiente, Leece, and most recently San Lorenzo. South America has become a hot bed for recent Impact recruits, often with mixed results. However, Piatti comes as the highest rated of all South American players brought to Montreal by Nick De Santis. At San Lorenzo, Piatti has primarily been used in an attacking midfield role, on the left side. However, with Romero and Mapp in good form, it will be interesting to see if the Argentine will be moved into a more central role. A natural attacking midfielder has been on the Nick De Santis wish list for the last year.
Potential Lineup Shakedown:
With Piatti potentially taking Felipe’s spot within the preferred 4-2-3-1 in behind the striker, the Montreal attack looks much stronger. The Impact will also have the option of playing Piatti in his natural left wing position, if Romero or Tissot struggle. Ignacio Piatti will be a crafty player at the top of the box with the ability to find the open player or shoot from range. The Argentinian also has the ability to get ahead of the lone striker and act as a solo threat. One question mark that remains is how Piatti will adapt to the physical game of MLS, particularly after finishing a gruelling Copa Libertadores campaign. If Piatti was inserted into the starting lineup today, the Impact Starting XI might look something like this:
With the Montreal defence gradually improving over the last month, the Impact could be primed for a good run in the CONCACAF Champions League.
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