Better or Worse than 2021: Wingers

Leagues Cup 2021: Quarterfinals - Santos Laguna v Orlando City SC
Leagues Cup 2021: Quarterfinals - Santos Laguna v Orlando City SC / Douglas P. DeFelice/GettyImages
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Antonio Carlos, Diego Valdes
Leagues Cup 2021: Quarterfinals - Santos Laguna v Orlando City SC / Douglas P. DeFelice/GettyImages

Verdict: Worse (For Now)

In a pure numbers since, Orlando's down a winger to start the year, thus it's not as deep a group as it was in 2021. But in the bigger picture, the floor of this group is lower. Facundo Torres could be really fantastic, and everything about him screams a big-time player, but he's still a young player who's new to MLS. That's a big change from a proven superstar in Nani and experienced MLS contributor in Chris Mueller. If he's a sensation, Orlando will be even better on the wings than in '21, but we'll have to wait and see.

I think it's also worth mentioning that TAM winger Silvester van der Water is in just his second MLS season and could be poised for a big follow-up campaign. He has a ton of skill and flashed in moments, but was far from consistent. If he fully finds his feet, he could be a star.