Fire 2020 Player Ratings
With the offseason now upon us, we have been able to take a breath, reflect on the ups and downs of a crazy season, and ultimately cope with the fact that our club has missed out on the playoffs once again.
We have also spent a lot of time evaluating the team as a whole.
Before moving into full offseason mode, let’s take a closer look at how each Fire player fared this season individually.
Key: GS – Games Started, G – Goals, A – Assists, GP – Games Played, MP – Minutes Played, CS – Clean Sheets, GAA – Goals Against Average
Bobby Shuttleworth (GK; 17GS, 4CS, 1.65 GAA) // 7
After becoming the #1 goalkeeper early in the year following a season-ending injury to Kenneth Kronholm, Shuttleworth proved to be a competent starter for the Fire. He is certainly a quality shot-stopper as he made several impressive saves on the year. He is also up for save of the year with his stop against Atlanta.
Something that may go largely unnoticed was his solid distribution with the ball at his feet to help the team play out of the back which is part of Wicky’s desired playing style and identity for this team. All in all, I can only recall a couple of soft goals on the year where he could have done better. He was hung out to dry far too often by a shaky backline all year long.
Kenneth Kronholm (GK: 5GS, 0CS, 1.60 GAA) // 5
It is hard to give an accurate rating given Kronholm’s season-ending injury. However, his game seems to primarily lack in communication with his back four and the inability to command his box on crosses.
Frankly, there isn’t one part of his game that has proven to be superior to what Shuttleworth provided this season. At 35 years old and no real signs of improvement since arriving last season, I am not sure what value he brings to this team.
Boris Sekulic (RB/CB: 21GS, 2G, 2A) // 6
Sekulic started every game he was available this season. However, he was basically the default starting right-back since he is essentially the only right back on this roster. So perhaps starting every game isn’t saying a whole lot. Although he certainly wasn’t bad and was able to get up the pitch on multiple occasions this year, he lacks the pace and mobility that you’d want a fullback to have in a fairly attack-minded system. His height helped on set pieces and he has pretty good feet.
On the flip side, his back-post defending needs some work, and his recovery speed isn’t great either. All in all, this is a position the squad needs depth at. If the Fire have aspirations to eventually be an MLS Cup contender, they will need better than Boris.
Francisco Calvo (CB: 22GS, 1G, 2A) // 5
Of all the consistent starters in this year’s Fire backline, it is no question that Calvo led the way in the “errors that led to goals” category. He seems to frequently switch off in games whether it be a silly giveaway, a senseless foul, or the inability to track a runner in the box. His overall season performance was simply not good enough especially as the captain of this team.
With that being said, the decision to exercise his contract option for next season was a bit premature. He led the league in interceptions which keeps his rating from dropping lower. Of everyone in the back 4, he is the most expendable given his performances this season. Given his vulnerability to error, the Fire will need a better center back and a better captain if they are to improve next season.
Mauricio Pineda (CB/CDM: 23 GS, 3G, 2A) // 8
The Fire’s homegrown was recognized as the club’s defensive player of the year and leader in minutes played. Although he was a rookie, Pineda’s composure on both sides of the ball this season made it look like he has been in the league for years. He is extremely calm on the ball, sees the game very well, can make a cutting pass between the lines, and makes plenty of important defensive interventions. I can only recall one obvious error that led to a goal: a poor giveaway in the home match against SKC while filling in for Gimenez in the CDM role. With that being said, his game will only continue to develop.
As he continues to become exposed to more and more defensive scenarios in this league, the steadier he will become at the center back position. He will also continue to adapt to the speed of play. It will be interesting to see if the coaching staff move him into the midfield next season depending on offseason moves.
Jonathan Bornstein (LB: 13 GS, 1G, 1A) // 7
At age 36, Bornstein is still the best fullback on this Fire roster. He is their best 1v1 defender as well and puts in a good final ball when he’s able to get up the pitch. I would even argue he deserves the captain’s armband, for he is the best leader this team has at the moment. His rating may even be higher if Wicky hadn’t rotated him so much with newcomer Miguel Navarro at the beginning of the year. Although he is solid defensively, it is clear that the Fire staff are wanting fullbacks who can contribute more in the attack.
Unfortunately, at age 36, Bornstein may not have enough in his legs to be the up-and-back fullback Georg Heitz and his staff need him to be.
Miguel Navarro (LB: 10 GS, 0G, 1A) // 5
At only 21, Navarro has a long way to go before becoming the fullback this team needs him to be. He is prone to turnovers in his own half, gets beat too easily on the dribble, and consistently plays a poor final ball in attack. However, the potential is there, and he is a very raw talent. He has pace and is the most offensive-minded fullback on the roster.
It will be interesting to see how quickly he can develop multiple facets of his game. Wicky may have overused him a bit in his first season but he can learn a lot from Bornstein’s defensive game.
Gaston Gimenez (CDM: 17GS, 0G, 3A) // 7.5
The first-year DP played an important role in the way the Fire played this season. As Wicky attempts to implement a possession-based playing style, it is crucial for a player like Gaston to be on the team. He has excellent vision, is calm on the ball, and is an absolute engine in the midfield. His range of passing is also great, and it was clear that he combines well alongside Alvaro Medran in the midfield. From an attacking perspective, the team’s level certainly dropped when he was missing for international duty.
On the flip side, I believe he could be better defensively. Does he do the dirty work? Yes. Cut off passing lanes? Yes. But this is a team who struggled defensively all year and he is part of that conversation as the holding midfielder. There is more he can give.
Fabian Herbers (CM/LM: 18 GS, 4G, 1A) // 6.5
It took a little while for Herbers to find his form, but he eventually becomes a mainstay in the lineup primarily due to his work off the ball. He may not be the flashiest of players or the most technical, but he seems to never stop moving on both sides of the ball. There’s a lot of value in a player like that in this league (Alex Muyl for Nashville is another). His four goals put him in second on the team behind Beric. He puts himself in good spots going forward for scoring chances as well.
Like most Fire fans, I was a bit frustrated with how much he was playing early in the year, but he has certainly grown on me. Should he be starting every game? Probably not. But he certainly has value in this team and ultimately earned his contract extension. I also think he is better in a wide position rather than in the center of the park but perhaps that’s just me.
Alvaro Medran (CM: 23 GS, 2G, 6A) // 7
Medran was a diamond-in-the-rough signing especially given his resume and age. He puts in a killer set piece, has fantastic ball control, and possesses a wide range of passing. His six assists on the year is a strong offensive output from a box-to-box midfielder and he combines well with Gimenez in the midfield. He was also second on the team in minutes played. The only thing keeping him from a higher rating is that he holds on to the ball a bit too long far too often. One too many touches.
You could also argue he needs to help out Gimenez more on the defensive side of the ball. If the Fire could bring in one more creative mind to that midfield, a whole other level of Medran could be unlocked. Like Gimenez, I believe he has more to give.
Przemyslaw Frankowski (RM: 16 GS, 3G, 1A) // 6
Franky’s form in the last 5 games saves him from a lower rating. Frankly (pun intended), he is a tough player to figure out. He is either great or he’s terrible. There’s no in-between. In both seasons with the Fire we have seen him find form late in the year. When he’s tuned in, he can really impress. He is one of the paciest players in the league and can seemingly run for days when healthy. If he can focus on improving his final ball and work on his finishing, I really believe he can be one of the most dangerous players in this league. But hey, I said that last year too.
Ignacio Aliseda (LM/CAM: 16GS, 1G, 2A) // 5.5
Okay, hear me out before jumping down my throat with this rating. Aliseda occupies a precious DP slot. Whereas I am not saying he is a bad player or a “bust”, I have to factor his DP tag into my assessment.
Yes, I understand he is 19 and has a ton of potential but this was not good enough. Perhaps it was a red flag that the coaching staff kept him out of the lineup in the MLSisBack tournament. He was extremely hesitant with his offensive decision-making, lazy defensively, and provided very little in his games off the bench. One goal and two assists on 16 starts isn’t a good output for a DP.
With all that being said, Aliseda can still turn out to be a good signing if he can take the necessary strides next year.
Djordje Mihailovic (LM/CAM: 14GS, 2G, 7A) // 7.5
Despite being out of favor with the new coaching staff early in the year, Djordje seems to have a lot more freedom in his game under Wicky. It isn’t a coincidence that the fluidity in the attack was noticeably better when he was in the starting lineup. He finished the season with 7 assists and his chemistry with Robert Beric was fantastic. Outside of Medran, he is perhaps the most creative player we have in terms of a range of passing and overall vision.
If he can remain healthy, he will be an integral player in this team’s attacking unit. He pleasantly surprised me with how effective he was in a wide position as opposed to his normal central role. My only gripe is his work ethic defensively.
CJ Sapong (ST/RM: 4GS, 2G, 0A) // 5.5
Hard to evaluate this year for Sapong given the number of games he missed due to injuries and personal matters. Outside of their strong performance against DC United, he never seemed to reach the form he was in last season. It was evident that he lacked that technical sharpness when he featured. All in all, tough to see him go at the end of the season. Great locker room guy, great community guy. All the best to him.
Elliot Collier (ST/LM: 2GS, 0G, 1A) // 3
Elliot Collier is not an MLS player…plain and simple. It is mind-boggling that he appeared in nearly every game this season AND that he will be back next season. He provides nothing. At 6’4”, he can’t head the ball. He is slow. He can’t pass. He can’t finish. The only thing keeping him from being rated lower is that he isn’t afraid to go at people on the dribble (even if it is the same stepover every single time).
Sure, his contract is a low cap hit but you’re telling me you can’t find someone better within the league or even in the nearly obsolete MLS SuperDraft?
Robert Beric (ST: 22GS, 12G, 1A) // 8.5
The Chicago Fire player of the year. Nominee for MLS Newcomer of the Year. Deservedly so. 12 goals in 23 games is a good haul for a first-year striker in this league. Constantly puts himself in great scoring positions. He can score with both feet as well as his head. He has strong hold up play. He was an obvious stitch in the side for defenders with the number of fouls he drew this season as well. If MLS plays a normal-length season next year and Robert Beric continues to get good service from those around him, he could definitely hit 20 goals in 2021.
The following players were not rated having played under 300 minutes on the year.
Wyatt Omsberg (CB: 2GS, 0G, 1A) // NR
Surprisingly impressed at both starts of the year. Inexpensive depth piece for next season
Brandt Bronico (CM: 3GS, 275 MP) // NR
Fan-favorite. You know he will never quit on the team. Great locker room guy and will always push people and compete in training. Solid depth piece if they plan to keep him (negotiating the contract)
Johan Kappelhof (CB/RB: 2GS, 200 MP) // NR
The longest-tenured Fire player on the current roster. If healthy, does he improve this team’s backline after being sidelined all year with injuries?
Micheal Azira (CDM: 1GS, 125 MP) // NR
I actually thought Azira deserved more minutes this year.
Primarily late in games when they needed to secure a lead or overload the midfield. Was solid in his lone start but not getting any younger. Best of luck to him for the rest of his career.
Luka Stojanovic (CM: 1GS, 60 MP) // NR
An unfortunate season-ending injury early in the year prevented us from seeing what he is capable of. Can he be that creative playmaker the team needs when healthy next season? Either way, he is an attacking depth piece the Fire lacked all year.
Brian Gutierrez (LM/CM: 6GP, 27 MP) // NR
Needs more minutes. Would have rather seen him over Collier on every possible occasion. Wouldn’t be surprised to see a loan deal next season. He appears to be ahead of the other young homegrowns with development.
Andre Reynolds II (LB: 2GP, 16MP) // NR
Came on and impressed to close out a victory against DC United.
Wouldn’t be surprised to see him loaned next season for additional minutes. The potential is certainly there.
Carlos Teran (CB: 2GP, 14MP) // NR
A mid-season acquisition that was only available for a handful of games. Can’t tell much from 2 appearances off the bench in games they were trailing. He certainly has the “Giant Throw-In” FIFA player trait.
Featured Image: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Discover more from Chicago Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.