New York City FC’s off-season recruitment finally got underway with the loan signing of Benfica's midfielder Keaton Parks.
The 21-year-old has signed a contract until December and believes he can make a big contribution:
“Keaton is a young American player that can play at a few different spots in the midfield," Torrent said in a statement. "He can play in the six position, but he can always play further up the field as an eight. Even though he’s a young player, he’s played professionally in Europe and that experience will help him as he joins our squad and competes for minute in our midfield.”
And judging by the platitudes, his manager is also a huge admirer of the new boy’s abilities:
“It’s the best decision for me right now," Parks said in a statement. "It’s first division soccer, it’s good competition, it’s good experience and for me it’s the best opportunity for me right now. I’m excited to be able to live in the biggest city in the world and to play with a very well-known Club, a big Club in front of all of our fans. I’m just excited to get started.”
THE HISTORY
Parks began his youth career at Liverpool Warriors in his native America, before he joined Varzim and made his professional debut in October 2015 at the age of 17.
It was only during 2016 that he started to establish himself in the first-team, and he would make 10 appearances scoring two goals.
Despite interest from around Europe, Parks joined Benfica in July 2017.
He enjoyed a fantastic season, registering seven goals and two assists in 42 league appearances, for Benfica B, before making a substitute appearance for the main side in November 2017 coming on against Vitoria
After representing America at U 20 level, before being called up to the senior squad, in May 2018 in a friendly against Bolivia.
THE PROSPECTS
In Parks, NYCFC look to have brought in one of the most talented young central midfielders in Portuguese football.
Blessed with pace, athleticism and aggression, he has the qualities to become a leading Major League Soccer centre-half, though is versatile enough to also feature at right-back.
He is also comfortable in possession – he completed nearly 90% of his passes last season – and is adept at stepping out of defence and initiating attacks – traits that both Ronald Matarrita and Maxime Chanot possess.
Parks was part of a Benfica side that liked to play with a high line and that pressed the ball quickly when losing possession, so he should have few problems settling in at NYCFC, who have similar footballing philosophies.
He appears most likely to join Chanot and Matarrita in the three-man backline, and interestingly could come in at the same price (6.0) as the two New Yorkers in MLS Fantasy (FMLS).
As his goal tally from last season suggests, Parks offers a strong set-piece threat.
Interestingly, Parks also has the ability to bring the ball out of defence and shoot from distance, again characteristics shared with his new centre-back team-mates.
Should Parks command a regular starting berth, then, his goal threat could make him a viable Fantasy option.
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