Last week we reviewed the goalkeepers and defence of the Montreal Impact through the first half of the season. This week we will turn our attention to the midfield and forwards. As with the first installment, the players will be rated out of 10. With Hernán Bernardello on his way to Cruz Azul in Mexico, the Impact have a significant hole to fill in the midfield.
Midfield Ratings:
Hernán Bernardello: With Bernardello’s one year contract coming to an end, the Impact’s second ever DP signing will be heading to the Mexican league. Over the course of the last year, Hernán was a reliable defensive midfielder. The Argentinian was not flashy however his presence will be missed in the middle of the park. 7/10
Patrice Bernier: An injury at the start of the season forced the captain of the Montreal Impact to play catch-up. Bernier has been a warrior for the Impact since the team entered the MLS, and his passing ability is arguably the best on the team. 7/10
Calum Mallace: After being sent out on loan last season, Mallace has returned determined to get himself more playing time. Klopas seems to like Mallace and he has featured in a number of games this season coming off the bench to play a variety of roles both in the midfield and on defence. 6/10
Justin Mapp: Mapp has easily been the most consistent and dangerous player in the midfield for the Impact this season. The American’s ability to run at defenders and strike the ball makes him one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders in the MLS. 9/10
Felipe: After being one of the most promising young players in the MLS two seasons ago Felipe has not been able to replicate his form on a consistent basis. Although he can be dangerous at times, he seems to lack the strength needed to take him to the next level. 6.5/10
Issey Nakajima-Farran: After being acquired from TFC on May 16, Farran looks like he could prove to be a valuable piece for the Impact going forward. The former TFC player provides speed and strength on the wing opposite of Justin Mapp. 7/10
Sanna Nyassi: After a great first game of the season, Nyassi suffered an injury, and has found it difficult to get back into the starting eleven. With the trades Montreal has been making in the last month, Nyassi will probably not see too much more playing time this season. 6/10
Andrés Romero: Since the trade with TFC to acquire Farran, Romero has been playing his best soccer since coming to Montreal. The Argentinian has finally found some consistency providing a dangerous and speedy attacking option for Montreal on the wing. 7.5/10
Blake Smith: With the midfield depth the Impact have been acquiring, the services of Blake Smith were not required for the remainder of the season. Smith was loaned out to Indianapolis on May 13 to ensure the winger get more experience in the NASL. 5/10
Maxim Tissot: The former Impact Academy player has not seen much playing time this season, playing in only 5 games, and starting only 2. Tissot has primarily been used off the bench late in matches. 5/10
Forward Ratings:
Marco Di Vaio: The Italian DP has not been able to match his amazing performance from last season. Di Vaio’s head does not always appear to be in the games, and it does not help he is not getting quality service from the midfield. 6.5/10
Santiago González: Signed right before the start of the season, González was brought in to add depth to the Montreal attack. Klopas does not seem ready to trust Santiago in regular season games, and the Uruguayan has seen very limited playing time. 5/10
Jack McInerney: The trade between Montreal and Philadelphia earlier in the seasons is one of the best trades the Impact have made during their time in the MLS. McInerney is an attacking threat in nearly every game he features in. 8.5/10
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