Why Atlanta United are genuine MLS Cup contenders

Atlanta United are MLS Cup contenders.

Need a moment to take that statement in? We don't blame you. The Five Stripes won just two of their opening 17 MLS matches at the start of this season.

But with a little help from interim manager Rob Valentino - following the departure of Gabriel Heinze - and now permanent head coach Gonzalo Pineda, Atlanta are on a tear. In fact, they've already climbed up to fifth in the East, sweeping away almost everyone before them across the last two months.

At this point, you're probably still thinking, "yeah, but what about Seattle and the Revs?". That's fair. But let's take a look at five reasons why the Five Stripes could flip 2021 on its head and emerge as champions.

1. Talent trumps all

Tactics and coaching are obviously still important but in MLS, it's commonly accepted that top-end talent trumps all. And boy, do Atlanta United have a lot of that.

In fact, you could go as far as saying their best five or six players are better than the best players on any other MLS roster.

Despite still finding his full fitness following an ACL injury, Josef Martinez has scored nine goals in just 13 MLS starts this season at a rate of 0.7 per 90 minutes. And Ezequiel Barco has been on a post-Olympics tear with six goals and five assists in his last nine appearances.

The addition of Luiz Araujo has the potential to be one of the greatest in league history. A Ligue 1 champion and Brazilian forward coming into MLS in his prime is impressive enough, but his performances have been next-level, even if he's only scored once. Araujo might well go on to become an MLS MVP.

And having the above trio in form has done wonders for Marcelino Moreno, who is driving the ball forward and playing with the sort of freedom that impressed so many during his Lanus days.

At the other end, Miles Robinson is probably the best centre-back in MLS right now and behind him, there's serious depth in Alan Franco, Anton Walkes and George Campbell.

Long story short: Atlanta United have talent. Lots and lots of talent. Enough to brute force their way to a few wins even when the performances don't quite hit the mark or the opposition raise their game. That is a very good quality to have heading into the postseason.

2. The players are happy

"We've just been clicking as a group and we are enjoying every single moment right now," defender Anton Walkes told reporters following Atlanta United's latest win - 3-2 vs. DC United.

Ezequiel Barco added: "I’m very happy in Atlanta. With the team and the whole coaching staff. I’m very happy and in a good moment where I’m happy."

The sight of the players jumping up onto the capo stand to celebrate with the fans following Saturday's victory tells you all you need to know about where this squad is at right now.

It's a far cry from the mood under Gabriel Heinze, where Josef Martinez appeared to be at odds and even hinting at a possible exit from the club.

Though that was all mere months ago, it already feels in the distant past. There are smiles on faces both on the pitch and in the stands, with the Five Stripes riding a wave of positivity.

3. Tactically flexible

One of the biggest criticisms of Atlanta United under Heinze was how rigid they were tactically. The Five Stripes would take the same approach in every match, attempting to pass the opponent to death without finding any real penetration. When transition moments presented themselves, players rarely exploited the opportunity.

Granted, Pineda has started with a similar five-at-the-back system in each of his four games in charge so far. But his in-game management has been far more flexible, changing shape to counter an opponent or get the best out of his difference-makers.

"I wanted to be a little bit more aggressive on the right side," Pineda explained of his decision to switch to a back four in the 57th minute against DC United. "I wanted to put two sprinters on their left side with Luiz Araújo matching up a little bit [with Antonio] Alfaro and then Brooks Lennon against [Kevin] Paredes and then see how that went."

Indeed, Araujo's introduction allowed Atlanta to be far more direct, playing straight through the DC press to expose their defenders, rather than passing against a wall of black shirts as they had in the first half.

Pineda added: "Obviously, that was a bit of a risk because we were man-for-man on the back for the centre-backs, but I was willing to take that risk because I felt that we would score in the third since we had big chances. It was a little bit of a risk, I will reflect on that one. I felt at the end of the day, Luis created a couple of very good chances on that side, and Marcelino [Moreno] was created on the right side for the third goal. I felt, overall, it worked pretty well."

Though talent is king in MLS, there will be occasions where a manager needs to switch things up to allow those stars the chance to be decisive.

Pineda has already proven himself an adept problem solver.

4. Momentum

Remember when we said Atlanta United won just two of their opening 17 MLS matches? Well, since then, they've won seven of their last eight. Even a 2-0 defeat to Nashville in Pineda's first game in charge couldn't derail their momentum, with the Five Stripes scoring at least three goals in each of their last three outings.

Where earlier in the season or throughout 2020, conceding a goal felt like a death sentence, this team now seems to brush setbacks aside with ease. The big players up top are delivering huge moments and those behind are keeping the back door firmly shut.

It's very much intangible, but momentum means a lot in this sport. Positive results breed confidence, which in turn brings more positive results. Atlanta United are reaping the benefits of that cycle right now and they couldn't have timed it any better.

5. Josef Martinez

Martinez's goal to put Atlanta United 2-0 up on the night against DC was his 99th for the club across all competitions. 99 in just 124 matches. And considering he scored just twice in his opening 13 games this season as he regained match fitness, that is an astounding record.

Barring a couple of late withdrawals to nurse his knee issues, the Venezuelan is looking every inch his old self, scoring seven goals in his last eight games while providing Atlanta with a genuine target and outlet at the top of the pitch.

Is there a better striker in MLS right now? Hell, is there even a better striker in MLS history? That's a debate for another time but you'd do well to find a defender who looks forward to facing Martinez in this mood.

Like the rest of his team, Josef has hit his best form at the perfect time, finding his aim just as the playoffs move into his scope.