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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 Jader Obrian, Jose Martinez, and Freddy Vargas.

Jader Obrian

  • Position: Left Winger
  • Age: 25
  • Prior Club: Aguilas Dorados
  • Contract Details: FC Dallas has signed Jader Obrian to a three-year-contract, with club options for the following two years

Outlook

Obrian performed well in Colombia over the past two seasons. He scored 24 goals in over 60 matches with Las Aguilas Doradas, becoming one of the more prolific wingers in the league. Jader Obrian was signed to fill the role that was left vacated when Michael Barrios left town.

With only a week left of preseason, Obrian seems to have a lock on the left wing spot. His only competition seems to be Dante Sealy, who is already looking to leave for Europe as soon as possible. That being said, his performances in preseason have been very promising. Yesterday’s match against Austin FC saw him and Freddy Vargas being the only dangerous attacking force for FC Dallas. Obrian’s vertical speed drew many Fabian Castillo comparisons online, and the comparisons have merit. Obrian and Castillo are both fast Colombians who create opportunities with their speed but often can’t finish off their chances.

It will be interesting to see whether he can make his direct speed result in assists and goals.

Jose Antonio Martinez Gil

  • Position: Centerback
  • Age: 28
  • Prior Club: Eibar
  • Contract Details: FC Dallas sign Jose Martinez Gil to a three-year-contract with club options for the following two years

Outlook

With the departure of Ziegler, FC Dallas was in need of another centerback who could fill Ziegler’s role as a leader and a rock in the back. Martinez was signed to fill this role, and his pedigree was solid. Although he was never really able to break into Eibar’s starting eleven, he played over 50 matches with Granada while on loan and ended up helping the club reach 7th place in La Liga in 2020. Martinez is also a product of La Masia Academy, which has always placed importance on the passing ability of centerbacks.

In the couple of preseason matches that have occurred, Martinez has been solid in every capacity. He’s cool on the ball and a solid defender. He is a leader on the pitch and already seems to have a great relationship with Hedges. His role as a vocal leader is already pretty solid, and it will only improve as time goes on. Hopefully, Martinez will be able to replicate his preseason form into results during the regular season.

Freddy Vargas

  • Position: Right Winger
  • Age: 22
  • Prior Club: Deportivo Lara
  • Contract Details: FC Dallas signs Freddy Vargas on loan from Deportivo Lara for the 2021 Season

Outlook

At 22 years of age, Vargas already has over a 100 appearances at the professional level. In Venezuela, he has scored 10 goals in four season, scoring his first professional goal at the age of 18. This loan is the first time he has every played outside of his native Venezuela.

After watching him perform in preseason, Vargas has been touted as the best transfer this winter and the best attacking player on the roster. His technical ability on the ball is rivaled only to his strength and speed. He scored a wonderful goal against Austin yesterday where he singlehandedly dribbled through three Austin FC defenders. He also scored a wonderful free kick goal against San Antonio FC,

Many already want him to be signed after his loan spell is completed. However, his performances in preseason need to correlate to results in the regular season. Unlike Obrian, Vargas has a lot of competition: Kalil ElMedkharr, Paxton Pomykal, and Szabolcs Schon all want to start in that left wing role. Vargas currently has the spot secured, but it won’t stay that way forever. if he doesn’t continue to perform.

The season starts next week. Which of the five players are you most excited about? Who do you think will become a regular starter and who do you think will ride the bench? Let me know!

Featured Image: FC Dallas

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