Crooks: NYCFC Must Keep Bravo, And Thoughts On Lampard's Next Move

By Glenn Crooks
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With the offseason underway, one would think New York City FC has put a high priority on replacing Frank Lampard.

That's not necessarily the case.

With the retirement of Andoni Iraola and the uncertainties at center back, NYCFC must calculate a method to secure the rights to 23-year-old Federico Bravo.

Bravo joined New York City on loan from Argentinian club Boca Juniors in February of this year. With that loan now set to expire, City needs to find a way to cogitate the permanent acquisition of a player who is an essential ingredient in the 4-3-3 recipe under head coach Patrick Vieira.

MORE: 'Soccer In The City' Podcast: What's Lampard's Legacy In NYC?

Lampard's legacy with New York City is nebulous. While producing in a manner that helped lead City to a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, his more lasting impact may lie in the time he spent with the younger players on the team, like Jack Harrison.

In a similar approach, Andrea Pirlo has provided both pictures and words that have elevated Bravo to another level. The youthful South American has also benefited from another experienced midfielder – his coach. Bravo's desire to remain with NYCFC is fostered by his belief that Vieira will accelerate his development, as will spending another season with the sage, Pirlo.

Bravo has the talent to be one of the top defensive midfielders in Major League Soccer and the tools to be the quarterback in Vieira's favored 4-3-3 shape. The No. 6 in Vieira's system needs to have an ability to read the game, move the ball with deception and precision to the left, right and central, be a ball-winner, win the air game and destroy those opponents who choose to attack centrally. Bravo can deliver on each of those requirements.

Those who object to the bravado tend to focus on the "destroy" aspect of Bravo's makeup and his propensity to be cautioned. In 23 matches, 12 in the starting XI, Bravo received nine yellow card warnings, plus a disputed, straight red at New England.

Due to suspensions and injuries, Bravo missed significant time this season. Meanwhile, Iraola made a smooth transition from the back line to the defensive midfield role and was quietly credited for the team's upward movement in the table. Bravo is better than Iraola and he was a more disciplined tackler by the end of the season. Unlike most soccer players with a dominant left foot (see Arjen Robben), Bravo uses his right peg for more than just support. As with American football, the quarterback will often make or break the fortunes of his team (see the New York Jets) and Bravo is the best option among current first-team players for New York City.

MORE: Crooks: Time For US Soccer To Sever Ties With Klinsmann

Financial issues are at the forefront of soccer in Argentina, which in part resulted in D.C. United finalizing a permanent deal with their diminutive midfielder, Luciano Acosta, also on loan from Boca Juniors. United, which paid a large (undisclosed) transfer fee to Boca to secure the 5-foot-3 playmaker, was 7-1-2 in matches when Acosta either scored a goal or provided an assist.

If given the opportunity, Bravo will provide a similar impact at the crucial position in Vieira's system.

Throw-Ins

-- Lampard's departure was a club decision. While Lampard had often stated his desire to return for another season, the strategic plan is to add youth to the New York City roster.

In Lampard's farewell Instagram note, he did not mention the word "retirement." NBC Sports has reported that five MLS clubs are interested in Lampard, including Chicago, expansion Atlanta, Seattle the L.A. Galaxy and Orlando City SC. Despite reports to the contrary, Orlando City coach Jason Kreis and Lampard got on well during New York City's expansion season.

-- As for Robben, the winger has scored 80 career goals in seven seasons at Bayern Munich, with just under 90-percent of them finished with the left foot. Many of the right-footed scores were tap-ins.

-- NYC midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy announced his retirement on Friday. The 33-year-old is a class individual who speaks four languages, and will likely search for a coaching position at the youth levels.

-- According to ESPN FC, former Germany international Marcel Schafer said he is re-considering his quest for a pact in MLS following the U.S. elections last week.

The 32-year-old Wolfsburg defender, under contract until June of 2017, had planned to inquire about an MLS move next summer -- probably with Atlanta United -- in order to be closer to his mother who lives in the Atlanta area. After Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton, however, Schafer gave pause.

"The vote has started a thinking process," Schafer said. "The opinion (to move to the U.S.) is still there, but I am no longer that sure. It's thought-provoking."

For all things futbol and NYCFC, please follow Glenn on Twitter at @GlennCrooks