Orlando City Roster Breakdown: Central Midfielders

CAM Mauricio Pereyra

Age: 31

Prior Years w/ Orlando City: 2.5

Orlando City resigned its midfield maestro Mauricio Pereyra, and this is a big season for Uruguayan. With Nani no longer around, Pereyra is the captain of the club. He has to become the leader for this group, a role that he seems to be thriving in through preseason. The question with Pereyra is whether he has the legs to be an upper echelon #10 in this league for an entire season.

In moments, Pereyra is one of the best attacking midfielders in the league. 2020, in particular, was a truly elite season for Pereyra. If he can stay fit through the year and provide his elite level playmaking and vision, Orlando will be a threat. This is probably the last season for El Maestro in Orlando. He was resigned to a one-year Designated Player contract, and I doubt the club will make a 32-year-old a DP next season. Maybe he stays if he takes a lower deal, but this might be the last ride for an Orlando great.