Thiago Almada is undoubtedly one of the most underrated youngsters in modern soccer. The 22-year-old rising star from Argentina joined Atlanta United in 2022 and has since dominated Major League Soccer. However, it was his 2023 season that brought us some truly spectacular goals.
We got another screamer from Almada on Sunday when his team played the Philadelphia Union in an Eastern Conference matchup at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. The 5-Stripes won the fixture 2-0 at home, continuing their unbeaten streak against Philadelphia in Major League Soccer regular season play thanks to an early goal and an assist from Almada.
Thiago Almada opens scoring with outrageous goal
After Union defenders brought down forward Giorgos Giakoumakis, Atlanta was awarded a free kick just outside the box. Philadelphia’s wall prevented Almada from scoring his fourth goal of the season from a similar distance free kick. After his initial shot was blocked, he got a rebound and buried a piledriver into the back of the net.
THIAGO. ALMADA. 🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/tI7CyT11ER
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 2, 2023
Atlanta’s No. 23’s night continued to be even better, as he bagged himself an assist in the 79th minute. Miguel Berry passed the ball back to Almada at the top of the box after failing to create a shooting opportunity for himself. He lofted a pass to Brooks Lennon, who was waiting openly on the right side. Lennon scored Atlanta’s second goal with a low-driven shot.
Almada shocked the world with freekick success months back
This wasn’t the first screamer Thiago Almada has produced this season. The 22-year-old Argentinian found the top right corner from a ridiculous free kick back in March.
That goal won Goal of the Matchday, and it is highly likely that it will eventually win Goal of the Year!
Another highlight was his 99th-minute-winner ​​against the San Jose Earthquakes. After finding an equalizer in the 93rd minute, he scored the game-winning free-kick in the 99th minute, earning him Goal of the Matchday honors in Week 1.
Thiago Almada is HIM! 👀
The 21-year-old scored a 93rd-minute banger and a 99th-minute free kick to will @ATLUTD to victory. pic.twitter.com/2I3B2mzeu7
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 26, 2023
Thiago Almada has shown all the promise to become one of the world’s best at such a young age. His performances even earned him a spot at Argentina’s 2022 World Cup squad, the one that went on to win the tournament and made history. However, many would claim that he has only proven himself in the MLS and needs a venture to Europe to mature. But what do you guys think? Let me know more of your thoughts in the comments section.
