Philadelphia Union: The Impact of Alejandro Bedoya

The Philadelphia Union will welcome United States National Team player Alejandro Bedoya with open arms. The Union will look for the midfielder to have an immediate impact on the team.

The most expensive player in Philadelphia Union history has been acquired from France League 1 club, FC Nantes. The Philadelphia Union paid FC Nantes $1 Million in transfer fee, while also coming to terms with the 29-year old, on an annual salary of $1 Million. This is the second year in a row the Union targeted Bedoya, finally making a successful deal.

Alejandro Bedoya is an athletic and versatile player. In the words of Coach Jim Curtain from today’s 1 p.m. presser,

"The player is a special one. He’s a guy that we can talk about technical ability, tactical ability, the ability to score a goal, defensive work, we could go on and on about that. But the important thing for the fanbase to know is that he’s one of us. Yes, he’s from Jersey, but he’s a Philadelphia mentality guy. He checks every box"

Since the departure of Defensive Midfielder, Vincent Nogueira this team has not been the same. While the goals per game have increased, the goals allowed per game have also significantly increased. In the Union’s first 14 games of the season, they allowed 16 goals. In their last 8 games, they have allowed 19 goals. 3 more goals, in 6 fewer games.

So how does the versatile midfielder fit in, in a crowded midfield for the Philadelphia Union? There are a number of options but here are the most logical. The Union could stick with their normal 4-2-3-1.

In this formation, Bedoya has slid down, to play the 8 position, rather than his normal attacking number 10 role, in the absence of Nogueira. While Bedoya does not normally play the number 8 position, he has a high enough work rate to be an effective defender, while also being precise with his passing ability and effectively moving the ball from backline up the field to our midfielders and forwards. Something this team lacked big time.

Another look would be a 4-3-3. Pontius and Ilsinho would play the two attacking wings, with Sapong in the middle. Bedoya, Barnetta, and Caroll would then make up the midfield. This seem’s like the most logical option, considering the team no longer has a true 8 on the field. This allows for fullbacks Fabinho and Keegan Rosenberry to really push up the field as we get into our attack. Also allowing Bedoya, Barnetta and Carroll to maintain possession in the midfield, when needed.

For now it’s a guessing game as Curtain wouldn’t really go into much detail as to what the plan was, saying,

"We know what his role will be here. That is clear. That has been laid out. And you look through his career: He’s played as a winger, he’s played as a second forward, he’s played as a ten, he’s played for our national team as an eight in the Copa America in some pretty hotly contested, high-level games. So he’s shown he has a versatile skillset….Again, he’s not going to fill a bunch of different roles for us. He’s going to fill one role that we see with him. I know what that role is, our staff knows what that role is, and we’re confident that he’s going to do a good job at it."

Bedoya fills a void the Philadelphia Union team need desperately right now, and that is consistency. The Union have been struggling to play two complete halves. Along with consistency, he also  brings a ton of experience.. He has played in Sweden, Scotland, and France. In his senior career he has 175 appearances, while netting 25 goals. To go along with 53 caps and 2 goals, with the United States Men’s National Team. Bedoya will create plays for himself, as well as his teammates.

Along with the addition of Bedoya, we soon will see the return of the clubs other Designated Player. Midfielder Maurice Edu, who has yet to play a game this season, recovering from injury. The two players are familiar with each other, playing together on the National team, as well as for Scottish side Rangers in 2011-2012.

But the important thing for the fanbase to know is that he’s one of us. -Jim Curtain

Will we see Alejandro Bedoya in action on Saturday night against Eastern Conference rival DC United? Curtain didn’t rule him out, “we just watched him play a 60-minute game in the preseason, so he’s in good shape. So not out of the question.”

For a Union team in the middle of a struggle, help is here. 12 games remain in the regular season, the Union are looking to continue to push for a playoff spot, their first since 2011, second in club history. And they don’t just want a playoff spot.

Next: Alejandro Bedoya Signs with the Philadelphia Union

They want to make some real noise. With the addition of Bedoya, who will give them immediate relief and make an instant impact, and the return of Edu; this team will have two players in midseason form come playoff time and help solidify what is becoming one of the best midfields in MLS.