Terens | Top Takeaways from Preseason Camp So Far

With the 4th and final week of preseason officially underway, I thought it would be a good time to give some high-level thoughts on what I’ve seen from camp thus far on several individuals.

We are only 12 days away from the season opener in Fort Lauderdale and there have been some new faces, strong performers, and steady eddies.

Here’s what I’ve seen from your 2022 Chicago Fire FC in the first three weeks of preseason…

NEW FACES

Among those that are actually here in camp, there have been two massive additions to CFFC this offseason. The acquisition of forward Kacper Przybylko from the Philadelphia Union and the introduction of defender Rafael Czichos, who came over from FC Köln in the Bundesliga.

Let’s start with Kacper, who we already knew was an established goal-scorer in this league. Since he has arrived, there have been a few things that really stand out. Off the field, he is an incredibly fun, bright and engaging human. He looks you right in the eye and does most everything with a smile on his face. He immediately fit in with the guys and it has appeared to be a rather seamless transition for the big Polish striker.

On the field, his composure, IQ, and swiftness have been tough to ignore. Strikers have the difficult task of finding the balance between quickness and composed. This can manifest itself as being rushed or not being quick enough but Kacper - for being 6’4 - seems to have it down. This is in large part (pun intended) due to his IQ and technical ability. His first touch is ridiculously clean, because it has to be. He has more person to move around, and he knows it. He isn’t blessed with a low center of gravity and obscenely quick feet like some players at his position. He plays with his back to goal a lot because of his size, and his IQ when receiving the ball is impressive. He is not only looking for his opportunity to turn and score, but the chance to lay the ball off for on-rushing midfielders who might have a better look at goal than him. His comfortability on his left foot is also pleasantly surprising. He isn’t afraid to set up his left foot inside the penalty area and can deliver the ball on point with the correct weight with his weaker foot. Once Xherdan Shaqiri arrives, this will open up a lot of space for Kacper, and I have a feeling he will be one of the biggest benefactors of his presence. This is to say nothing of how many times the Swiss magician and Kacper will actually connect for goals.

As for Rafael Czichos, we weren’t as plugged in as to what he was going to be bringing to the table. I think we are still going to discover nuances of his game as the weeks roll along, given the fact he has only played about 60 minutes of a friendly in a Fire kit. From that friendly alone, we saw that his positioning is impeccable, and he isn’t afraid to let an attacker know he’s there - even if it means conceding a foul. Rafa is going to play “the game within the game” and ensure attackers don’t feel too comfortable on the ball, which goes a long way over the course of 90 minutes and in scouting reports.

His leadership qualities were apparent during some recent interviews, but he takes it to a different level on the field. He is constantly talking, organizing, and encouraging his teammates. He is also letting them have it if something isn’t done the right way or someone is late stepping to the ball. Having a general on the backline to help younger players like Miguel Navarro and Carlos Terán is massive. He is going to be the German glue that holds everything together, and I can’t wait to see more of him.

WHO HAS IMPRESSED?

For me, there are two players who have stood out in camp the most thus far.

The first is Miguel Navarro. The Venezuelan has come into camp fit, with a smile on his face, and with a hunger we haven’t seen before. He has always put in the work and given 100%, but I see a different focus and energy about him. The last week in particular I saw him being more adventurous in the attacking third, more confident on the ball, and his English has been improving every day which means a better level of communication.

The second is Gastón Giménez. We all know that 2021 was not what we expected from “Tonga” considering the level we saw from him in 2020. However, I have seen a lot more of the 2020 Gastón than the 2021 version. He has been silky smooth on the ball, finding his way out of trouble, and is constantly further up the field with the cover he knows that Federico Navarro provides from a defensive standpoint. Gastón may not register loads of goals/assists but his influence on the game, while subtle, can be substantial. He is a tempo-setter and can dictate the pace when he is at his best. If Tonga can continue this level of play and spend an entire season playing in front of “Fede” and alongside Shaqiri, it could make for one of the more balanced midfields in MLS.

There have been guys like Fabian Herbers, Mauricio Pineda, and Federico Navarro that have shown up to camp and been exactly what we know them to be which is rock solid. “Fabi” and “Mauri” are both extremely hard-working, technical, and capable of playing multiple positions which is invaluable for any coaching staff. “Fede” has improved his touch and skill a lot over the offseason and looks ready to have a big year in MLS which of course will be his first full season in the league.

Obviously, there isn’t enough time to go over every player, but these are some of my standout performers thus far.

12 more days until opening day, and it can’t come soon enough. Still two weeks of work to get done before Inter Miami on Saturday, Feb. 26, but things are shaping up nicely.