New England Revolution: Can Giacomo Vrioni step up his game?
Looking in retrospect at Giacomo Vrioni’s career before arriving at the New England Revolution, it’s safe to say his pedigree is of high talent. In June, a month prior to his eventual signing, the player was being heavily pursued by Serie A side Sampdoria.
In 2021/2022, his time with WSL Tirol was very telling, as he scored 19 goals with the team from the Austrian Bundesliga. Over the past 9 years, Giacomo scored over 50 goals and provided over 20 assists. In the end, though, the Serie A teams that wanted his signature really show his stripes.
Has he stepped into the role that Buksa played?
When Vrioni arrived in New England, everyone’s first questions were, “Will he replace Buksa well enough?” Looking back on 2022, the fans looked let down at the fact they couldn’t get a good view of his talent on the pitch. He totaled just about 279 minutes across the seven matches he was healthy enough to appear. So, to answer that question, no.
However, we all know how Adam Buksa slowly made his way to star for this club over a couple of years. It didn’t happen in one season and definitely not in short minutes for the Revs. More consistent minutes is what Giacomo needs to strive for this year, to allow us to answer this question in a better fashion.
If we look at American Soccer Analysis’ Goals Added metric, even with a small amount of time with the first team last year, Vrioni was one of the most important players. Specifically, within the realm of keeping possession and creating positive attacking moments from getting fouled. He made his mark at the end of 2022 after he joined up with the Revs.
Nine Games In, New England Revolution Need Giacomo To Hit His Stride
Currently, Giacomo is the leading goalscorer for the team in 2023. While that’s good for his confidence, it also shows the Revolution need him to stay hot. Currently, from the first nine games, New England has 15 goals and they come from eight different players. Something that 2021 showed the Revs was that they needed a couple of consistent goalscorers to turn the tide of games.
Through 336 minutes, Vrioni has scored three. Those three came between two games, out of the eight games he appeared in. He started three games out of all his appearances. If the Revolution are going to keep the winning trend continuing, they need the Albanian striker to keep up his current 0.80 goals per 90. However, it would be helpful if those goals came in more starting chances.
Hopefully, Gustavo Bou can make his way back into the XI next to Giacomo, helping to bring some more space for the other striker to take his chances. If Vrioni can continue scoring at his current rate, he can definitely help this Revs team to keep their winning stride.
Prediction: Vrioni continues striking prowess
Next. High Expectation For Revs This Year. dark
At 24 years old, Giacomo is currently in his prime and looking to strike while the iron is hot. He’s been performing at an MLS level while he’s been healthy with the New England Revolution. There’s no reason to think that this player who spends his time lurking around the top of the 18 can’t keep up his current rate of scoring. I think Giacomo Vrioni ends the year with over 15 goals.