Maxi Moralez: The Argentine Maestro Leading NYCFC’s Attack
In a season marked by uncertainty and adaptation, New York City FC has found a sense of stability and creative spark through the midfield brilliance of Maxi Moralez. The Argentine attacking midfielder has been instrumental in NYCFC’s successful start to the 2022 MLS season, showcasing his unique vision, control, and passing range to devastating effect.
Hailed as the "Maestro" by NYCFC fans and pundits alike, Moralez’s impact on the team cannot be overstated. His ability to control the tempo of the game, picking apart defenses with his pinpoint passes, has allowed the likes of Talles Magno, Valentino Muñoz, and Isaiah Herrera to thrive up front.
Born in the city of Guemes, Santa Fe, Argentina, Moralez began his professional career in 2006 with Instituto de Cordoba, working his way up through the lower divisions before securing a move to the Italian club Catania in 2012. After impressing in Italy, Moralez joined Serie A powerhouse Sampdoria in 2015, where he earned a reputation as one of the most creative midfielders in the league.
Moralez’s signature move to MLS in 2017 saw him join NYCFC, where he quickly established himself as a key player under Patrick Vieira and then Doménec Torrent. The Argentine playmaker’s technical ability, spatial awareness, and work rate have allowed him to seamlessly adapt to the demands of MLS, even in the midst of a COVID-19-shortened season in 2020.
One of Moralez’s most impressive traits is his uncanny ability to find space on the pitch, often leaving opponents grasping at air as he slips past them with ease. This trait has been particularly useful for NYCFC, as it has allowed them to bypass defenses and create opportunities for their lightning-fast forwards.
Furthermore, Moralez’s range and accuracy in distributing the ball have been exceptional this season. He has recorded an impressive 72.7% passing success rate, the highest in the league among players with over 1000 completed passes. Moreover, his through-ball completion rate stands at a remarkable 37.5%, ranking him second in the league behind only Toronto FC’s Jozy Altidore.
When Moralez is on the ball, opponents are often left in a state of panic, unable to contain the whirlwind of creative chaos that surrounds him. His vision is simply exceptional, with the ability to pick out passes that most midfielders wouldn’t even dream of attempting.
Despite the occasional moment of indiscipline – Moralez has been cautioned or sent off five times in his MLS career – the Argentine maestro’s passion and dedication to the beautiful game are evident whenever he steps onto the pitch.
As NYCFC continues to navigate the challenges of a competitive MLS season, one thing is certain: Maxi Moralez will be at the heart of it all, directing traffic, controlling the tempo, and creating chaos for opposing defenders. His genius has elevated NYCFC to a new level of success, and as long as he remains the Maestro of the midfield, the team’s attack will always have a fighting chance to be among the league’s best.
Statistics mentioned in this article:
- Maxi Moralez’s passing success rate (72.7%)
- Through-ball completion rate (37.5%)
- Times cautioned or sent off (5)
Sources:
- Major League Soccer (MLS) official statistics
- Soccerway.com player statistics
- ESPN FC reports
