2023 Orlando City Position Previews: Center Backs

Jul 20, 2022; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City defender Robin Jansson (6) jumps for a header during
Jul 20, 2022; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City defender Robin Jansson (6) jumps for a header during | Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 16, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Orlando City defender Antonio Carlos (25) kicks the ball in
Oct 16, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Orlando City defender Antonio Carlos (25) kicks the ball in | David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Carlos
Age: 29
2022 Stats: 25 appearances, 1 assist

Antonio Carlos has been a vital piece to Orlando's ascendence in the Eastern Conference under head coach Oscar Pareja. The Brazilian center half is one of the best all-around defenders in the league, and he brings tons of passion, leadership and experience.

The only thing keeping AC back from even higher heights has been healthy. Last season, he missed a massive chunk of the early season. If he can stay healthy, Antonio Carlos is a Best XI-caliber center back. His fitness should be the only real variable this season.