RBNY has had a rocky start to this season’s campaign. There have been rumors of signing Xavi from Barcelona, but it doesn’t seem likely that it will happen. RBNY has two DP slots taken up by Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill. However, there is one spot left on this team for a Designated Player (DP). Fulham released a number of players this past season after being relegated to the Championship, however, one player from that list sticks out to me, and his name is Giorgos Karagounis.
Candidates for the Final Red Bulls DP Slot
The Greek Machine
He may be old, even by looking at his face you can tell he doesn’t look under 35. He is 37 years old but looks like he can still play at a professional level. In the World Cup, Greece somehow got out of the group stage with the help of Karagounis. He’s got an amazing passing ability and leadership qualities. He’s played for Inter, Benfica, and Panathinaikos in Greece, all three clubs with a big history and name attached to them. RBNY would have to go to a 4-3-3 formation to fit him in. Moving Olave to the defensive truck of the formation at midfield. He can run in, get that ball off the counter and feed it to Karagounis, who can then feed it to Wright-Phillips or Henry at striker. As of now, I would have Wright-Phillips at striker there to the amazing form he has been in this past season. However, Wright-Phillips has the qualities to be a good winger and could make some good passes to Henry or take it in himself.
Another Aussie
There is a young Aussie who posses tremendous talent at the supporting midfield role. Tom Rogic is currently a Celtic player, but spent the past season with the Melbourne Victory in the A-League in Australia. He had a lack-luster loan spell there, and playing time for him does not look likely for this upcoming season for Celtic. He would be a good fit for RBNY here for a supporting midfielder. He can make great passes, he’s young, he’s got a great amount of potential as well. He could make a name for himself here. He didn’t make the Australian National team this World Cup, but could make the next one in 2018 if they do qualify. I would use a 4-3-3 again for him. He and Cahill could work in midfield with an anchor behind them, possibly McCarty or Olave. Luyindola, Wright-Phillips could be wingers and have Henry as the main striker.
Almost Irrational
As good as Luis Robles is, he could still be replaced. He’s a fantastic keeper, however, I believe there is a free agent out there that could possibly replace him if need be. Victor Valdes has always been under scrutiny for not being a good enough keeper for Barcelona, however he would be welcomed here. He was with them for twelve years and has won several Champions League titles and a World Cup. RBNY’s keeper situation has always been rather problematic but he could stabilize it for the time being. He is still a good keeper, despite the critics. He has an ACL injury that needs to be repaired and rehabbed, but he could come in next season. No formation changes are needed, but Valdes could be a decent fit here. If Xavi does wind up at NYCFC, they could face each other for the first time in a competitive match. If that does happen, it could draw him closer to New York.
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