Akil Watts started all three preseason games at the Coachella Valley Invitational in what we’re calling the 8 in CITY’s new formation. The positioning looked a little different across each of the three games but in all three we saw two primary duties: cover deep alongside Löwen & press high up the middle.
Watts performed well in that role, returning to his natural position after spending much of the last two season as a reserve fullback on both sides (a role he will probably see again if and when Chris Durkin returns). He helped created one of the few goals CITY scored in California with his play in the high press and was heavily involved in the staunch defensive efforts.
A large question mark remains around Chris Durkin because knee soreness means we never got to see him suit up in the preseason. From a projection standpoint it looks like a role that fits Durkin even better than his holding/defensive midfielder role from last season, in which he typical ranged a little too far from home as CITY’s defender routinely was stretched to its limits.
With an extra CB in the lineup, Löwen playing deeper and attackers like Hartel being asked to cover more ground, Durkin’s ranging fits perfectly with the pressing we saw from Watts & Morales (aka Trialist). And despite a lot of focus on the negative moments, the facts show he spent plenty of time covering ground in front CITY’s defensive lines.
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Chris Durkin 2024 MLS Heat Map