The most important off-season addition to Atlanta United…and it’s not who you think it is.
Why Mateusz Klich is the most important addition to the Five Stripes in 2025.
Most people would say Miggy. Others would say Latte Lath fresh off his brace. But here is why, in the end, it will be Mateusz Klich being the most important addition to the Five Stripes in 2025.
Photo Credit: Atlanta United official website
There hasn’t been a dominant defensive midfielder playing in Atlanta since the departure of Darlington Nagbe in 2019 and Atlanta has struggled to control this dangerous space over the past few seasons. Santiago Sosa might have been able to fill this role with a different manager and Ozzie Alonso in his twilight just didn’t have the legs to cover the ground but Klich looked very much the part in his 2025 season debut versus CF Montreal.
Klich brings an all-star pedigree to Atlanta after the 34-year-old Polish International made the off-season move from DC United where he served as a Designated Player in both 2023 and 2024. Prior to MLS, Klich made stops in Germany, The Netherlands, and most notably in the English Premier League playing for Leeds United in 177 appearances.
Klich was very good versus CF Montreal in filling the dangerous pockets of space in front of the Atlanta backline as he would then venture out of these spaces to support the ball and link quick passes together to relieve the pressure. He was the pulse of the midfield seeking to provide balance and control to the dynamic passing circulations of his surrounding teammates.
His game was very simple, very clean, and very decisive. He was tough in several tackles, stepped high into the midfield to deny his opponent the ability to turn, and made quick passes to keep the attack on schedule over his 82-minute Atlanta debut. He did pick up a yellow card in the 80th minute as he and the CF Montreal player were both cautioned in a mutually bad challenge but he played with a physical edge to command his space and send a stern message from his position.
Photo Credit: Forrest Wimberly
“Mateusz is a central midfielder with proven quality both in this league and at the highest levels in Europe,” said Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson on Klich’s signing. “He’s had two quality seasons in MLS since joining the league in 2023. He’s a good chance creator, while also being able to dictate the tempo of a game from the middle of the pitch. We believe his qualities and leadership will be a good addition to our midfield.”
As the season develops, expect Klich to be a durable presence and metronome in the Atlanta midfield eating up minutes as he fills a role not seen in Atlanta since the championship seasons. That’s what will make him the most important addition to Atlanta United in 2025.