I wrote about Pedro Amador in October, pointing out that if there was an Exhibit A that Garth Lagerwey’s plan to sign prime-aged players would work, then the 25-year-old free transfer was it.
It took him a little bit to adjust to MLS, but once he did, he became one of Atlanta United’s most valuable players down the stretch. And, as we found out eventually, his initial contract was extremely affordable (just under $250,000). Lagerwey’s MO isn’t necessarily to run Atlanta as lean as possible — his front office will spend if the situation calls for it — but if he can continue to bring in these diamond-in-the-rough players, that bodes well for the club’s long-term success.
Stats
Minutes: 1218 (14 matches played, 14 starts)
Assists: 8
What went right?
A lot, but primarily everything starting with September 18 against Inter Miami, when Amador found a blistering run of form that saw him record nine assists in 11 matches. This brilliant cross in the play-in round against CF Montreal was one of them:
More than his assists and his overall versatility, his ability to get stuck in when the situation called for it and his toughness helped endear him quickly to Atlanta fans: the previously-mentioned Miami home match in the regularseason was probably one he shouldn’t have played in considering he’d taken a nasty knock against CF Montreal a few days prior.
We’ve spoken about Brad Guzan and how Atlanta wouldn’t have made the Eastern Conference semifinal without him, but Amador deserves as much credit as anyone.
What to improve on?
More than anything, hopefully Amador can develop instant chemistry with Xande Silva (or whoever Atlanta’s starting left wing is) and the incoming No. 9. I’d love to see him improve his defensive work rate to become a more rounded player on both sides of the pitch, but with Brooks Lennon unavailable for the first part of 2025, much of Atlanta’s play could be coming down the left channel. Keep in mind, too, that Silva and Amador haven’t played together that much because of Silva’s injury history. The sooner a bond can be established on the left side, the better.
What role will he play in 2025?
If — IF — Amador can replicate his 2024 form over a full season, he’ll be in the discussion for an MLS Best XI spot; that’s a big “if” because there are several examples of Atlanta players in recent years starting hot before cooling down. Hopefully Amador isn’t one of them and ends up being a mainstay on the left side for years to come.
Hoping he can keep up this form in 2025. We need a solid reserve fullback behind him because it would be insane to expect him to play every minute next season. I’m more comfortable with Matt Edwards and Ronald Hernandez at right-back. The academy prospects are still 1 – 1.5 years away from being able to fill in.
That left foot is “magisterial”
At this point, Garth’s only true “hit”.
I would say GG was a hit while he lasted.
Isn’t Saba a Garth guy? Also, Stian and Williams together are really solid when healthy.