NYCFC look to part ways with Diskerud

by JACK HAZZARD

After spending a year on the bench, Mix Diskerud is preparing to leave New York City FC.

In an interview with MLSsoccer.com Tuesday morning, Vieira commented on Diskerud’s situation. “He is looking for playing time,” Vieira said. “We are having a discussion with him and try to find the best way to satisfy Mix and ourselves.”

Apart from New York City FC’s original three designated players, Mix Diskerud was NYCFC’s key signing in 2015. Having heavily started for the United States Men’s National Team as well as playing 146 matches in Europe, the 26-year-old midfielder was tipped to excel in the MLS. However, Diskerud struggled in America and NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira noticed.

In 2015, Diskerud looked to be a star in New York under head coach Jason Kreis, but that did not pan out to plan. The 26-year-old midfielder made 27 appearances for the club, scoring three times and providing one assist. Although these stats are far from exceptional, Diskerud provided NYCFC with a consistent midfielder when compared to injury prone designated players Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo.

In 2016, Diskerud played in 12 matches, scoring one goal and two assists. The 26-year-old hasn’t played a professional match since early June, only to make one appearance against Liga MX side Necaxa in an October friendly.

Diskerud’s departure will clear up money for New York as they attempt to find a replacement for designated player Frank Lampard. When asked for potential possibilities, Patrick Vieira stated, “What we really want is to find the right player who will make us improve as a team and then the right player has to be the right one, the good people. I think David is a perfect example. We want to bring players who can fill with what we are trying to do at this football club.

“If we find a young DP, it will be good. If he’s not a young DP, it will be good as well. We just have to look at the options and take the best options that we have.”

No matter who NYCFC elect to sign, the Eastern Conference club will look to improve off of their superb second season in existence – with or without Mix Diskerud.