Analyzing the New Guys: Nicky Hernandez and Kalil ElMedkhar

FC Dallas brought in many new players this winter offseason, which has lead to a ton of hype for many of the new additions.

Starting on April 17th, we decided to start a three-part series covering the five new signings: Nicky Hernandez, Kalil ElMedkhar, Freddy Vargas, Jader Obrian, and Jose Martinez.

This week, the article will cover Nicky Hernandez and Kalil ElMedkhar.

Nicky Hernandez

The Dallas native stays home.
FC Dallas has signed 2021 MLS SuperDraft pick Nicky Hernandez.
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) March 23, 2021

Position: Central Midfield
Age: 22
Prior Club: North Texas SC
Contract Details: FC Dallas has signed Nicky Hernandez to a two-year contract with club options for the following three years.

Outlook

Nicky Hernandez is the one signing that does not feel like a new addition. Nicky signed with North Texas SC last year in September, and he became a pivotal player for the club, scoring 3 goals and notching an assist in 9 matches for the club. His performances earned him a spot on the winter preseason roster via a selection in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. Nicky was then signed on Tuesday.

With many midfielders vying for a starting spot, it seems unlikely that he will earn a pivotal role in the club this season. However, the contract he signed with the club shows that they highly regard him. Furthermore, this is the same opinion many had of Tanner Tessmann last season, who also signed with the club late into the preseason and ended up playing a major role in the lineup for Luchi throughout the season.

In the absences of many players, Nicky has had the opportunity to play in the two preseason matches that have occurred this season. It is difficult to say whether or not his performances merit a starting role this season. Still, maybe fans will get a better perspective of the young Dallas native when the preseason tournament La Copita begins on April 2nd.

Kalil ElMedkhar

? FC Dallas has signed winger Kalil ElMedkhar to a two-year contract with club options after acquiring his Homegrown Rights from the Philadelphia Union.
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) January 14, 2021

Position: Left Winger
Age: 21
Prior Club: University of Kentucky Wildcats
Contract Details: FC Dallas has signed Kalil ElMedkhar to a two-year contract with club options for the following three years.

Outlook

Kalil is a product of the Philadelphia Union Academy, which is why FC Dallas had to send a small chunk of change to gain his Homegrown Rights in order to sign him. He was touted as one of the best players in a very good University of Kentucky side. His participation in the Union Academy allowed him to play in a system that has created many stars, including US National Team players Brendan Aaronson and Mark McKenzie. In college, he recorded 20 goals and 21 assists in 66 matches.

In regards to his place in the squad, it isn’t easy to say. The left-wing spot is open for the taking, and other talented players, including fan-favorite Paxton Pomykal and new signing Freddy Vargas, are fighting alongside Kalil for a chance to start on opening day.

Furthermore, it looks like a new winger will soon join the side, with the only rumor being a Hungarian Left Winger.

Some news from our interview with Andre Zanotta (coming out later today)
FC Dallas has signed another winger. The deal is done, waiting on paperwork before they make the announcement.
— Dallas Soccer Show (@DallasSoccrShow) March 23, 2021

Kalil has already scored a beautiful goal in the preseason match with OKC Energy; However, just like with Nicky, we will have to wait for the streamed preseason matches before giving a proper assessment of the positional rankings.