Look for Nicolas Rodriguez in future spaces of Orlando City SC | OneFootball

Orlando City SC is on the hunt for Columbian right-winger Nicolas Rodriguez. It’s not speculation that the attacking midfielder will have an immediate impact.

Columbian midfielder Nicolas Rodriguez has begun checking boxes on every sheet held by Orlando City SC scouts. As usual, the team has no official statement yet. The Orlando organization doesn’t broadcast its internal work.

Rodriguez plays for Fortaleza CEIF (Centro de Entrenamiento Integadro para el Futbol) where this season he has rarely logged fewer than 90 minutes per match. He scored five goals in 19 games.

Behind his skill on the right wing is the instinct Rodriguez has as an attacking midfielder. Orlando City head coach Oscar Pareja can effectively move him onto the pitch as a substitute whenever he needs a goal or some created chances.

However, to make a consistent starter, Rodriguez will have to develop on defense. Pareja’s system doesn’t shy away from taking risks. But it manages them with defensive skill.

Their system depends on not conceding space to the opponent while maintaining possession. Then, Orlando needs players to create space and move into that space. The players will have to use that to create chances and finish.

Growing out of Pareja’s defensive scheme is aggression. This is a way to prove initiative in each match. But he emphasizes that, even with initiative, aggression isn’t equal to recklessness. The elements of aggression and initiative provide ways to approach the risk the offense faces each match.

The elements can lead to fouls. One scouting organization measures aggression by fouls alone.  Orlando City finished the 2024 season with 338 fouls or 9.9 fouls per game. But the fouls have to have a purpose within the match's goals. They come within the restrictions of managing the risk posed by the offense.

All Orlando City players on the pitch must contribute with a solid, focused defense supporting the offense. That way they can open up and control space. That is where the Orlando City SC offense will create their chances.