Today, we're going to hand out some grades. This will be a full look at the moves going into the 2025 season, the ones throughout the season, and this week's roster decisions.
Before we get into the grades, I will point out that for several players (both incoming and outgoing), I will have two grades for them. After writing out thoughts for everyone, it was pretty clear that I needed to separate the players’ time with FCD and those who also had time with NTSC, or on the outgoing part, the time with FCD and the move to see them go.
Okay, let’s dive into the grades.
Incoming
Ramiro Benetti (12/18/24 - free)
Thoughts: I thought this was the Asier Illarramendi replacement when the news broke last December that Ramiro was joining FC Dallas. It felt very much like an Andre Zanotta signing. Meaning that he’s a Brazilian with a lot of experience that Zanotta was familiar with. As the season went on, Ramiro showed that he was a big time leader for this club both on and off the field. He fits the mold that Eric Quill needs in both spaces, too.
Grade: B+
Lalas Abubakar (12/19/24 - free agent, previously with Colorado)
Thoughts: I made a case for FC Dallas to sign Abubakar last winter when the free agent list came out, and I stand by it. Abubakar is a good MLS veteran to have on the bench and appear in a decent chunk of your games. I don’t think he is an every day starter in this league anymore, but he still has enough quality to make a difference when you need him to.
Grade: C+
Anderson Julio (12/23/24 - trade from Real Salt Lake)
Thoughts: This one was a wild one for FC Dallas to go out and get in the offseason. An out-of-the-blue trade with RSL to send Sam Junqua to Utah for Julio. On paper, it made a lot of sense that you want to go get a guy with a ton of speed and pace to be a dynamic game changer. Julio had some good moments, but injuries did cause him to lose some faith from Quill.
Grade: C
