Thursday at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground was an eventful one to say the least. Fields 1 and 2 were doubled up with two teams training at the same time — Atlanta United and Atlanta United 2. After the session, two of the club's summer signings, Juan Berrocal and Steven Alzate, got their chance to speak to media for the first time since joining the club. It was a whole bunch of new all at once and a great morning of football and learning — youngsters learning from veterans, coaching staff learning more about different players, media members learning about the lives of new players.
A double training session
Atlanta United 2 made their way up to Field 2 at the training ground, practicing with the First Team Thursday morning. The two squads were separate for the first portion of warmups and initial rondos but joined together for triple mini-goal drills. The attacking-minded played on field two, and the defensive-minded played on field one, both featuring a squad of First Team players against a team of 2s.
It was a fascinating watch, with two large portions of the club's personnel on the pitch together. Many Atlanta United 2 players have trained with the First Team at some point, but there were plenty out there who were doing so for the first time.
There's already been plenty of movement between the two teams this season, with new Homegrown signings like Cooper Sanchez and Dominik Chong Qui and First Team cameos in 2s matches by the likes of Cayman Togashi, Luke Brennan, Will Reilly, Josh Cohen and more. Seeing all of those players and more out on the pitch together was insightful to say the least.
Some of the players on the pitch Thursday were up from the Academy for development. As training concluded, the many goalkeepers of the club got together and had a lesson with First Team goalkeeping coach Elliot Parish on setting a wall for set pieces. Moments like that were invaluable for youngsters like U-16 goalkeeper James Donaldson. Yes, there was a player out there on the pitch without a driver's license.
First Team and 2s coaches looked on as their squads integrated for certain drills, coaching buildup patterns and defensive shapes. Head coach Ronny Deila, who spoke to media Friday morning, was excited about what he got to see.
"They [the 2s players] feel the level that is in the first team," Deila said. "It just should be a short way from the from the second team to the first team, so they feel connected to it. We are doing a lot of the same things, so I think that is a good and important thing."
New guys get their shine
For the first time since their signings, Steven Alzate and Juan Berrocal participated in media availability after training Thursday. They both spoke — in both Spanish and English — on their paths to Atlanta United, their experiences integrating into the squad, their impressions of MLS and more.
Alzate, a Colombian English midfielder, spoke on his unique experience growing up in London in a Latin American family.
"London's a multicultural city," Alzate said. "You get people from all over the world. Growing up in a Colombian household, but obviously being able to speak English was nice, just being able to speak both languages and understand different cultures. I'd like to think I bring the English and Colombian side to the game."
Deila was a factor in Alzate's path to Atlanta, he said. Having played for Deila previous at Belgian club Standard Liège, Alzate knew the system, and the coach, he was signing up for.
"He gave me his trust, and obviously, as a player, you need to return the trust as well on the pitch," Alzate said. "I felt comfortable, confident as a player. If you're playing with confidence, you're playing well."
The gaffer's idea for Alzate's role is fluid. He could see him playing as a No. 6 alongside Bartosz Slisz or as a No. 8 with slightly more attacking responsibilities. Alzate's dribbling will serve him well going forward — compared to players from leagues comparable to MLS, he's in the 96th percentile in successful take-ons. He's also 95th percentile in tackles, showcasing versatility that makes him an asset in Deila's midfield.
"I've come to do the dirty work, the creative side, I've come to do everything," Alzate said. "Now, in the modern day football, you need to be able to do everything."
Both Alzate and Berrocal have made their first appearances with the 5-Stripes, but neither have started a match yet. Building fitness, especially coming from leagues that were in the middle of the offseason, is a process that takes time.
"It's difficult," Berrocal said, "but I'm trying to improve and trying to keep the physical condition."
Berrocal was seeking something different in his career, having spent all of his playing days in Spain so far. Now, he's here in Atlanta with his wife and enjoying the newness of it all.
"I haven't seen a training center like this," Berrocal said. "The project, the staff, the coaches, the city, the country, I want a new challenge in my career, and I'm very happy."
The two will have the chance to play in front of the 17s at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time since their arrivals Sunday afternoon. The 5-Stripes will kick off at 4 p.m., and tickets are available here!
