The last time New York City Football Club fans saw Mix Diskerud on the pitch was against the New York Cosmos in the U.S. Open Cup. He has not even been seen on the bench in most matches since then, but while Frank Lampard recovers from an injury, he may be the best option for the club.
The Curious Case for Mix Diskerud for NYCFC
Offensive minded midfielders:
Part of the reason Diskerud has seen so little of the pitch lately is because Lampard has been so stellar in his return to form. The two are very similar in style of play. Lampard is a midfielder with a mind for the attack, presence on the ball, and can score in some really creative ways. Diskerud is the only player on NYCFC’s bench that fits that bill. You need only to look at where he played for the USMNT or even at the start of the MLS season to see that Mix is best when playing the advanced center midfield role. He roams the field more than Lampard and finds himself out of position a bit more, but he also has younger legs for recovery runs and something to prove with his game time.
No other player fits:
The other options are the feisty, Mikey Lopez or the speedy Steven Mendoza but neither of them fit into the Lampard position like Diskerud. Lopez is more defensive minded and has missed some chances in games when he should have scored. A look at the last game against FC Dallas shows you that Mendoza is also capable of ill taken misfires. Mendoza also seems to work best when he comes off the bench as a supper sub and can run around a tired defensive line.
Mix Diskerud, on the other hand, offers another offensive weapon. Sure, he is not quite as potent of a goal scorer as Frank Lampard, but who is? Mix Diskerud scored the first goal ever for NYCFC in the opener last year against Orlando with a rifle shot from long distance. He also started this season with some fine goals in the preseason and the first few games of 2016. Diskerud is not only capable but also dangerous in the air. Patrick Vieira believed in him enough at one point to give him the captain’s armband at one point this season. He also, possibly now more than any other time in his career, has something to prove. Overall he offers another threat and could combine well with Andrea Pirlo and Jack Harrison along the advanced right side.
Diskerud is a good passer and a creative player. He is aggressive toward the goal and capable of scoring when it counts. So much so that somebody saw fit to pay him the salary he is receiving. It is time for him to show it against Chicago Fire. Patrick Vieira was quoted saying that Mix Diskerud was an international player and that he needed to prove him self. If Vieira will give him the chance, he can show he belongs again. If he can come into the team again and make a difference it might be his foothold back into the lineup considerations or, at the very least, it will give NYCFC some leverage when the trading window opens again. Only time and Vieira know what will come on Friday night.
