Joran Gerbet making a difference early as Orlando City defensive midfielder | OneFootball

Midfielder Joran Gerbet joined the Orlando City SC roster as a surprise to many Lions supporters. He’s quietly shown up strong in every start this season.

Midfielder Joran Gerbet introduced himself to Orlando City SC supporters in a pre-season friendly.

It was a match against Atletico Mineiro from Brazil. In 90 minutes, the game stood at a 0-0 draw. Does that sound familiar?

In the ensuing penalty kick shootout, Gerbet got the call. He wound up, paused, switched feet, then took the kick. It was a low, line drive that entered the bottom right of the net.

It was Gerbet starting in what turned into a 0-0 draw with the New York Red Bulls. But it wasn’t the same conditions. From the 56th minute, the Lions were down a player because of two yellow cards to Rodrigo Schlegel.

Gerbet was there to practice his specialty as a defensive midfielder. For more than half the match, he played his classic role as a shield right in front of the Orlando backline.

However, as soon as the Red Bulls started working to exploit their player advantage, he had to shift toward a more powerful strategy of intercepting passes and then connecting that same backline to an attack.

Apr 5, 2025; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Orlando City SC midfielder Joran Gerbet (35) battles for the ball against the Philadelphia Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag (10) during the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images | Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images

He’s been active in getting in tackles and winning aerial duels. It didn’t surprise anyone that Orlando City picked him first in last year’s MLS SuperDraft – 27th pick overall. But he’s already starting with the first team and making every opportunity count, just like he did in the friendly against Atletico Mineiro.

He started 76 times in 78 appearances throughout his college career. He scored 12 goals, adding 15 assists. He started with Oregon State and finished with Clemson. He earned accolades on both teams.

He was ACC Midfielder of the Year and First Team ACC in 2024. He was also the 2022 PAC-12 Player of the Year, All -PAC-12 First Team, and PAC-12 Freshman of the Year.

Joran Gerbet is one of those rare start-ready SuperDraft picks. Orlando City SC got him.