How will new signing Andrés Perea fit into NYCFC?

As New York City FC continues with a busy transfer window, they managed to add some depth to the midfield with the signing of Andrés Perea from the Philidelphia Union on loan.

The 22-year-old previously played for Orlando City SC before joining the Union this year. While he has shown promise in the past, he has struggled to find playing time in the City of Brotherly Love. He has only made eight appearances in MLS this season, in which he has logged 146 minutes and one goal. This begs the question, what can this player provide for NYCFC?

A look at the new NYCFC player, Andrés Perea

Strengths

At his best, Perea is a strong box-to-box midfielder who can carry the ball upfield, while also providing his calling card of strong defense. While the ball-carrying skills are evident, his defensive contributions stand out the most while watching him. His recovery speed is apparent, as he can often chase down attackers running with the ball.

He is a strong tackler who can win the ball from behind or in front of an attacker. Perea also has a knack for getting into passing lanes to disrupt play. According to FotMob, he has accumulated 47 interceptions over his four-year MLS career.

Offensively, Perea can work well in tight spaces. More often than not, he can dribble past his opponents, and does well to draw fouls as well. While he has only completed 75 percent of his passes this season, Perea never had a season where he was below 85 percent while in Orlando. If he is able to deliver some of those line-breaking passes with NYCFC, then he will be a welcome addition to a bench that lacks a player of Perea's skillset. This short video from his time with Orlando showcases all of his skills well.

Where will he fit with NYCFC?

For the duration of the season, NYCFC has not had a player that can play the 6 position effectively, outside of squad stalwart Keaton Parks. If they want to make a run at the playoffs, or in the Leagues Cup, then they will need the added squad depth that players like Perea can provide.

Parks cannot play every single game going forward. Perea's ability to slot in effectively while giving one of the team's best players a rest will be paramount down the stretch.

In the midst of a disappointing season, the sweeping changes to the squad could help jump-start the team. When nothing seems to be working, change is needed. Losing stars like Gabriel Pereira certainly will hurt, but the addition of Mounsef Bakrar has proven fruitful so far.

Hopefully, Perea can have a similar impact, and help New York City FC go on a magical run to the playoffs, or a deep journey in the League Cup.