Player Focus: Larin Can be First Choice Striker at Orlando but Back-up Still Needed

There are certain staples of the Major League Soccer gossip column. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is linked with a move Stateside on a seemingly weekly basis, with Tim Howard also expected to move back home before he retires. But perhaps the most common speculation in the league right now links Orlando City with a new DP striker.

Manchester United’s on-loan Mexican forward Javier Hernandez is reported to be seen by the Florida franchise as their ideal signing this summer. But Chicharito has already rejected MLS moves in years gone by, so would he be willing to make the switch now - especially with Premier League teams thought to be interested?

Orlando will most likely have to turn their attentions elsewhere, but do they actually need a new striker in the first place? Adrian Heath might already have the top-level centre-forward he needs in 20-year-old Canadian Cyle Larin.

As the number one pick in January’s SuperDraft much is expected of Larin this season, and although it might have taken him some time to adapt to his new team the youngster is making good on his promise in Florida.

Larin found the net - his third goal in as many games, and his fourth goal of the season so far - in Orlando’s impressive 4-0 win over the LA Galaxy on Sunday, forming quite the partnership with Kaka at the forefront of the Lions’ frontline.

The 20-year-old forward has quickly become Orlando City’s most productive forward player, averaging 2.1 shots per game - the highest average within the Florida franchise’s squad. Averaging just 10.1 passes in total per match, Larin’s role in his side’s general build-up play is limited, but he is there to provide a cutting edge - and with four goals in six games, that’s something that he’s doing.

“Every age group he’s ever played for, he’s been the top goal scorer,” said Orland coach Heath. “We think there’s a lot to work with and he’ll get better. I think he’s still got to get sharper. He’s working really hard in training and as I’ve said after his goal in Portland, these goals will be the first of many in a very good MLS career.”

Of course, Kaka is still the driving force behind Orlando City, averaging a team-high two key passes per game and contributing two assists for the Lions this season. The Brazilian is living up to his Designated Player billing in MLS, and has silenced the critics who claimed he was far past his peak years to make any kind of impression in North America.

And that could be the most valuable aspect of having Larin in the team. The Canadian and Kaka - who also has four goals in 2015 - seem to have an innate understanding that has given Orlando the kind of finishing touch and frontline dynamism they were perhaps lacking in the opening few games of the campaign.

Larin , in particular, is ruthless in front of goal. He very rarely wastes a shot, scoring four times this season despite averaging two shots per game - which ranks him high within Orlando’s team, but relatively low in the league-wide scheme of things. For instance, David Villa is averaging 3.8 shots on goal per game for New York City FC, but has just two goals from seven appearances. Larin has proven to be more effective in front of goal than Spain’s record scorer.

Sunday's statement win over the incumbent MLS Cup champions the LA Galaxy was Orlando's best performance of the season so far, with Larin firing off four shots at goal. Brek Shea and Eric Avila also played their role in City’s dynamic, attacking display - with Shea contributing an assist and Avila making the scoresheet.

Before Sunday there had been concerns over Orlando’s attacking productivity, particularly at the CitrusBowl - where they had gone five games without a win until last week. But things clicked against the Galaxy, and if City can project that form across the rest of the regular season it could carry them all the way into the play-offs in their expansion season, which would represent a commendable achievement.

But, should Larin pick up an injury Orlando could be faced with a real problem. Beyond the 20-year-old Canadian City have no attacking depth, with Pedro Ribeiro and Carlos Rivas both struggling to make any impact whenever they have played up front. Ribeiro has found the net this season, but doesn’t provide the attacking cutting edge that Larin does - averaging just 1.5 shots per game.

Orlando City were always well-placed to make an impression in their first MLS season - given their background as a quality USL team - and indeed, Heath’s side could be on course for the play-offs. If that comes to pass Larin will have surely played an important part.

Do Orlando City need to sign a new first choice striker or is Larin good enough to lead their charge for a play-off place? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below