This is the fourth installment of a 26-part series of players we'd like to see at Atlanta United FC as either a Designated Player or general roster spot. They will not all make sense but we will try to convince you anyway. #HailUnited #KingsOfTheSouth
Marvell Wynne - Defense - San Jose Earthquakes - DOB 5/8/1986
Sound familiar?
But Wynne has also been around the USMNT
Not like he's currently featuring or anything but he's got 5 caps under his belt. Or, more correctly, on his head.
And lots of time in MLS
Wynne has been in the league since being drafted out of UCLA in '05. Since then he's played a combined 265 matches for the New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC, Colorado Rapids and, most recently, San Jose Earthquakes. That includes the MLS Cup winning Rapids team.
But, is he good?
He'd be in his 12th season in 2017, but 2015 saw a career high in minutes for the back. Wynne is also versatile, being able to play out wide or as a (albeit short) CB. He's long been regarded for his speed.
Why would Atlanta United want Marvell Wynne?
He was a huge part of one of the MLS' best backlines last season and wouldn't be a huge hit on the salary cap ($190K base salary in 2015 that would probably go down as a 30/31-year-old). Wynne also has an insane ability to stay on the field, having only received one yellow card in over 2,500 minutes last year.
An experienced player in an area (defense) that always seems to plague expansion teams.
Does this make sense?
Read that other sentence. "An experienced player in an area that always seems to plague expansion teams."
Of course it makes sense. Darren Eales has said he'd prefer younger, in their prime DPs, but this move would not necessitate that kind of price tag and a guy like Wynne could easily play several years in black and red. Also does not occupy an international spot.
Marvell Wynne is a good character guy and a very good defender. Plug him in, Atlanta United.
Some other Ws
Rodney Wallace - Would have been great but he left an MLS Cup winning side to try his luck in Portugal. His relatively low $165K base salary with his experience and skill at the position would have been a great starting point for an expansion club.
London Woodberry - Started for a bit with New England Revolution in 2015 but wasn't consistent. Cheap, quick outside back though. Came up through the FC Dallas academy which has a pretty good track record.
Walker Zimmerman - Makes the most sense for Atlanta United since he's from Lawrenceville, GA but they love him in Dallas so unless ATLUTD pries him away with some allocation $$$ it's not happening.