NYCFC name David Villa as first captain
History was made yesterday as NYCFC officially named their first ever captain, Spanish International, David Villa. Not only does the move make sense, but it gives the club a proven leader that also makes up for some of the many mistakes over the past two months. Villa is one of the best to bring his talents from Europe over to MLS and now that he is team captain, MLS must take notice of him and NYCFC.
Looking through the NYCFC roster, David Villa makes complete sense as a first captain. Did you honestly think that Mix Diskerud or Frank Lampard would really claim this distinguished honor? Please, never in a million years.
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With all the issues surrounding Lampard over the past two months, there was no way that he would receive such a distinguished honor. Diskerud is a good player and continues to build his international resume with the USMNT. Even though these two players might look like logical choices for a captain, the club deserved to have a player that has been around since the beginning, thus David Villa makes perfect sense.
David Villa is only 5’8″, but his speed and technical abilities allow him to tear through opposing defences. The Spaniard is 33, but time is still on his side. His time in MLS will not be short-lived, especially when it comes to making an impact at a new club.
Since 1999, when David Villa started his playing career, he has scored 251 goals just at the club level. At the international level, he has 59 goals for Spain since 2005. Whenever he retires from professional soccer, there is not question that David Villa is one of the best to ever represent Spain.
NYCFC boast a good selection of players going into their inaugural season in MLS. With players like Lampard, Diskerud and David Villa leading the way, the new club is headed in the right direction. Issues with Lampard did stall progress with the club, but since the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, NYCFC have found their rhythm.
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David Villa knows his career does not have many years left in the tank as a player, but he must do his best to mentor the younger players at NYCFC. Three other players on NYCFC play the forward position, Tony Taylor, Patrick Mullins and Khiry Shelton.
Taylor is a former USMNT product, Mullins is a two-time Hermann trophy winner and Shelton was the second overall pick in this years MLS SuperDraft. Depth wise, there is not enough numbers for the club yet, but in terms of talent, NYCFC might have one of the better groups of forwards in MLS.
NYCFC are just 34 days until the club kicks off their first official match in MLS. The upcoming season is going to be one of the best in league history and NYCFC continue to make a name for themselves.
Do you like the naming of David Villa as the clubs first captain or should someone else have earned it?