New York City FC have their most veteran player back on the field and showing how effective he can be in the name of Maxi Moralez. The Argentine midfielder rejoined the club last year but suffered a knee injury and made his triumphant return as a substitute last Friday and helped the team with an assist on the game-winning goal. Moralez has not just the team’s backing but also high praise from head coach Nick Cushing who sees him as the club’s greatest player.
“He is the greatest player to ever play for our football club,” said Cushing after the win. “He’s had the biggest impact. He’s almost like having a coach on the field when he plays like he did tonight. It’s an absolute masterclass.”
Cushing’s praise may sound hyperbolic. However Moralez has been one of the highest producers in club history. Going back to his days playing alongside David Villa and Andrea Pirlo, Moralez has stood out as a leader, producing in every season he played for the club. His highest contribution was in 2019 when he notched 20 assists and scored seven goals. He was also an important member of the 2021 MLS Cup winning team, raising the area’s first major trophy.
Now, in his later years, Moralez has returned to the club to not just impart wisdom, but to show that he can still produce and help the team when they need it most. Cushing pushed to have him back sooner rather than later and it paid off instantly with a result that keeps City as one of the hottest teams in MLS.
“You have certain players in the game that can literally pick the game up and just put it in their pocket,” said Cushing on Moralez’s influence. “Almost conduct the game the way a conductor conducts an orchestra. He’s that guy. On 70 minutes or whatever minute I put him in, I was frustrated because I thought the game was hanging in the balance. Tonight was a masterclass, vintage Maxi Moralez.”
While he may not be fully 90 minute ready by next Friday’s game against Columbus, it is essential that Cushing has him on the bench as an option. City have found it difficult at times to influence the game off the bench. With Maxi, they know have a proven playmaker, and the hat trick from Alonso Martinez, shows that a player like Moralez can unlock the potential of young players around him.
“The return of Maxi was very important for us to take advantage of,” said Martinez. “Once he is back he’s going to contribute a lot to us.”
City have a week off during the international break and will be back next Friday at Yankee Stadium to take on Columbus Crew SC.
