Talles Magno, Pascal Jansen, and NYCFC could be going down a dangerous path

When New York City FC first released photos of the players and the return for the preseason, fans were a little shocked to see Talles Magno highlighted. Then, his name was on the preseason roster, and it appeared he was going to be given a chance to rejoin the club after spending time away on loan. Head Coach Pascal Jansen confirmed this, and now fans are just waiting for the official 2026 team roster to be released.

There is a problem, though, and Magno, Jansen, and NYCFC as a whole might be going down a dangerous path. Per an interview with the head coach, team radio announcer Glenn Crooks revealed that the Bronx side is once again trying to turn the Brazilian into a center-forward. This is something that should not happen.

Jansen revealed that the winger clearly stated he would like to play as a striker if that was the only option, and the left-winger spot was not available. In fact, Magno believes that he can play as both a winger and a striker, which is a little puzzling. At the same time, based on the interview, the head coach has no problem letting him try to play as the center-forward.

It is dangerous for Talles Magno to play as a striker for NYCFC

Here is the problem, though. Unless one is a new NYCFC fan and has not seen Magno play for the Pigeons and is not familiar with him, then fans know the player is not a striker. He was awful when he played up front and center, but former Head Coach Nick Cushing continued to put him in that position.

Meanwhile, before that disastrous decision, the Brazilian was developing nicely as a winger. Magno had potential, and there was the belief that he could turn into a young star for NYCFC. However, when he began playing as a striker, and his ability on the pitch declined, his work as a winger was also affected. Likely, his low confidence was a major reason why he could not play to the expected level that he should.

Now, he did play a little bit as a center-forward while he was out on loan with Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. He scored a few times from that position, but his overall play is a bit of an unknown since Skyscraper Blues did not watch Magno while he was in Brazil. Perhaps he has gotten better as a number nine.

Plus, it would be a disservice to declare that Jansen cannot develop a player in a different position. Justin Haak shined as a center-back under the coach's leadership, and Kevin O'Toole keeps on adding to his resume.

Still, this is a dangerous road to go down. There is no guarantee that the winger will add to the squad when in that position. Yes, NYCFC needs a striker, and they are still looking for somebody to replace Alonso Martínez while he recovers from his ACL tear. More importantly, the Pigeons need Magno to remain confident and become someone who can contribute when he is out on the pitch.

Economically, if the Brazilian is not in the team's long-term plans, then they still need him to play better so they can make some money back via a transfer. All aspects of his play must be considered, and another failure as a striker would be detrimental to him and the Bronx side.

Therefore, if NYCFC, Jansen, and Magno are smart, then the Brazilian will play as a winger who can roam around the final third. He has had success when he is allowed to roam, but he is still a winger. Playing as the center-forward can be dangerous, and the past is not so far away. Both the player and club must be protected.