So whether starting or coming off the bench, Orlando City SC needs physical players. They also need to be skilled and smart – knowing the location of every teammate, every moment.
Striker Luis Muriel is one of those skilled players. He’s proved it, coming off the bench in recent games. He’s proved that as a bench player recently, but he's ready to start whenever he’s given the opportunity.
On the attack for Orlando, he’s executed 16 key passes in 13 games, with an assist. He’s also taken 22 shots – seven on target, getting two goals, a through ball and three crosses. But his other contributions are even more striking.
By staying physical, he’s won seven aerials and got in 13 tackles. He keeps his eyes on opponents and stays aware of his teammates, helping out with three clearances and five dribbles this season.
His successful pass rating is just under 75% so far this season.
His highest-rated game, according to scouts, is one where he covered all the statistical columns he could, except for a goal, because it was the team’s draw against Inter Miami.
In that match, he posted three key passes, two crosses, one each – tackle, dribble, clearance – and won an aerial.
Muriel says what pushes him and his teammates to excel is, simply, hard work. Whether facing a tough opponent or approaching a match with the greatest confidence, Muriel says preparing with hard work is where the team creates chances.
And chances start with key passes, which turn into scoring.
The hard work also helps Muriel and his teammates overcome their weaknesses. His mass of statistics come from his strengths and preferred style. That includes dribbling, tackling, playing through balls, and attempting key passes.
But previously, scouts reported aerial duels as one of Muriel’s weaknesses. But through 13 games this season, he’s won seven. And with his increasingly physical style, he’ll win more.
Muriel’s story this season is the Orlando City SC’s story., overcoming barriers to success and getting better. And there’s time to improve even more.