![]() NYCFC's home record is good, but away games in MLS pose an altogether different challenge that will really test this new-look team. This game marked the end of a three-fixture run of home games as the team now embarks on a run of four games on the road, which will be its longest stint of away games in 2023. ![]() Ledezma and Rodríguez often pressed as a pair as Dallas were playing out from the back, supported equally energetically by Parks and Sands, as well as from wide areas. Out of possession, against Dallas, New York City looked as impressive as they have done all season in terms of their pressing. With the skilful Brazilian, Talles Magno, ideal for the inside forward role from the left, and his compatriot Gabi Pereira performing a similar role on the right, albeit more as an inverted winger, this leaves one spot open for Rodríguez-that of the central forward. The shrewd signing of Richly Ledesma for the midfield, plus the key role that should be and so far has been given to Keaton Parks this season, leaves only attacking spaces open for newly-anointed DP Rodríguez in Cushing’s best eleven. ![]() On his return to the club this season with an upgraded contract, Rodríguez was set to finally prove he is the Moralez replacement, but he may turn out to be much more than that. Whenever the Argentine has found himself in such a role in the past, either as a stand-in later in games or simply by drifting into these areas, he has shown he is able to hold up the ball more effectively than might have been predicted as well as combining build-up play with attacking skills closer to, or inside, the opposition penalty area. The use of Rodríguez as a false nine now appears to be an obvious solution while the club holds out for other suitable options in the central forward position. The pair have immediately become key players in 2023 and their introductions have been seamless thanks to existing links with the club. Sands has replaced, and arguably been an upgrade on, Acevedo, while Rodríguez has in some ways replaced both Moralez and Castellanos.
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