Summer signing Luighi could be a key piece for NYCFC’s future | OneFootball

New York City FC currently sits in seventh place with a 7-8-6 record. Not all progress, though, can be captured simply by looking at a team’s position in the Eastern Conference. Yes, this season has tested the faith of players and fans alike, but it has also brought more hope for the team’s future as the club slowly acquires pieces on the pitch that could prepare them for success in the seasons to come.

One of the biggest tactical areas that has plagued NYCFC this year is their attacking power and lack of versatile options at the center-forward position, one of the most crucial positions in the game of soccer as a whole. This summer, club president Brad Sims and his team have done the work to bring in top-quality players like Bénie Traoré and a player with a high ceiling in Luighi.

The 20-year-old forward joined on loan from Brazilian side SE Palmeiras with an option to buy. He featured in 45 games with the side, scoring five goals, according to NYCFC’s official website. With an impressive résumé so far representing his Brazilian national team with the U-17 and U-20 teams, there is undeniable talent that Luighi possesses.

Luighi could be what NYCFC needs

Although he has only featured in six matches in all competitions in his young NYCFC career, he has definitely maximized his minutes on the pitch, showing the craftiness, flair, and unstable style that Brazilian footballers naturally possess. He has also scored twice.

In the Philadelphia Union game, Luighi scored a penalty in the second minute of stoppage time, which put NYCFC up 2-0 at the time. Then, in the next match against FC Cincinnati, the forward occupied the right pocket of space in front of goal, where he was able to power the ball through the net from close range. The beautiful assist came from his teammate, Agustín Ojeda.

Luighi is the kind of young, exciting player that NYCFC needs. The results may not bring an instant return on investment, but over time, he could potentially become the face of the team's brand if he puts in the work and the time.

As the Pigeons prepare for the Major League Soccer playoffs to begin in November, Luighi’s presence and abilities could not have come at a better time. With players like Nicolás Fernández Mercau already playing at an extremely high level, hopefully he and others can pass down knowledge and take Luighi under their wing as he continues to navigate what it is like to be a professional athlete in one of the best sports cities in the world.

As long as they play together as a unit, NYCFC should be able to make a big statement as their quest for another MLS Cup trophy continues. The loan deal and possible permanent signing of Luighi will definitely be a pivotal decision that reshapes the team's future identity, as the club may enter the next era with a whole new look.