Matthew Freese

Matthew Freese is New York City's platinum-tier engine. Arriving from Philadelphia in early 2023, the 28-year-old is steadily building his body of work and hunting for his first piece of career silverware. Our verdict is that his relentless work rate provides a crucial foundation for the squad, even if his contributions often fly under the radar of casual observers.

Operating with an impressive motor, he has logged 469 minutes across five appearances this term. While this is still an emerging sample size, it clearly outlines his tactical value during a demanding stretch of the calendar. His profile carries the GHOST badge due to minimal overall touches, confirming a style built on off-the-ball sacrifice rather than possession dominance. However, when he does engage, a surprisingly high Dribbling rating tells the story of a player capable of breaking lines and bypassing the first wave of pressure. Crucially, his recent performances show him on an upward trajectory. With his current form comfortably eclipsing his baseline season ability, he is finding a rhythm that makes him difficult for the manager to drop for any upcoming crunch match.

The wider market is certainly taking notice of this purple patch. Boasting a €2M valuation that continues to trend upward, the stakes are getting higher. He is proving to be a highly valuable asset whose current trajectory suggests even bigger things ahead as he enters his prime years.