Thread by @isaacfharris

Curious about just how exactly Brian Fernandez fits into Portland’s tactics? Well, welcome to my super long, overly analytical rant, breaking down his impact and fit within the team. Thread below:

#RCTID

It’s important to re-emphasize how astounding of a signing this is. Fernandez’ potential is up there with the biggest youth signings in the league over the past few years, including Ezequiel Barco, Diego Rossi, and yes, Miguel Almiron. #RCTID

Seem like a stretch? Let’s compare:
In 40 games for Lanus in Primera Division, Almiron tallied 4g/4a
In 32 games for Necaxa in Liga MX, Fernandez tallied 18g/5a

The guy has talent, more so than any Timbers signing before it. #RCTID

So he’s good, cool. How does he fit into the current roster? Portland has a pretty solid young striker in Jeremy Ebobisse. Can they coexist?

Yes. Fernandez is described as a forward, his run of form in Liga MX shows he doesn’t need to lead the line to be effective. The bulk of his production has come from the right wing, where Fernandez can use his speed and trickery to create opportunities, like this one: #RCTID

^That is practically Messi-esque. Absolutely unreal one-on-one skill to create the goal. Because of that unique ability to have top class outside of his preferred position, Fernandez’ position with in the XI can be fluid as well. #RCTID

Here is what I expect Portland’s starting XI to look like most consistently:
#RCTID

This formation gives Ebobisse a chance to continue to develop and be productive. It gives Portland absurd speed and skill out wide with both Blanco and Fernandez, and it allows Valeri to pull strings in the midfield, without the pressure of being first in attack. #RCTID

If Ebobisse struggles to make an impact through the first half+ of a game, rotate Fernandez to No. 9, and sub in Polo for Ebobisse, giving Portland more speed and a striker who can really stretch a defense. #RCTID

Many are concerned about Ebobisse being left out in the cold with this signing. Don’t be. Fernandez may very well be the best thing that has happened to Jebo. Does it provide some pressure? Sure. Will he have to find ways to perform? Yep. #RCTID

But Ebobisse is, at heart, a hold-up, poaching striker. He relies on the work of others to provide him opportunities in front of goal. Now he can be flanked by two aggressive goal-minded wings that force defenses to step up and out, giving him room in the box to work. #RCTID

This move is also great for Blanco. In 208 teams would defensively overload the left wing to shut down Blanco’s counter. They could because the right wing simply wasn’t threatening enough, and Valeri no longer has the legs to drive a ball at the defense for 40-50 yards. #RCTID

With Fernandez threatening on the right wing, Blanco has room to create, and give Seba and inch, he’ll take a mile. #RCTID

Fernandez will also impact the already improving defense. With a deeply talented attacking four, Chara, Paredes and the outside backs don't have to make quite as many gambles joining in the attack. a 6-man attack now = 4-man attack, allowing for numbers behind the ball. #RCTID

Fernandez success not only defines Portland’s championship aspirations, but also the vision of the club. Find success, and sell-on, and Portland can pivot to a more youth-oriented approach, something they desperately need to do in a new era of MLS. #RCTID