The start for a new MLS expansion team typically follows one of two paths. Either an existing club from USL or NASL is elevated (can’t say promoted) or an entirely new organization is started. Atlanta United is taking the second path, but with heaps of resources and having studying their MLS history books.
The position of Designated Player is one that can bring excitement, hope, victories, disappointment and/or frustration. Some clubs use all three almost every season, while others tend to avoid that more expensive route. For year one Atlanta is electing to spend big, fill all three, and do so following a tried a true method in American soccer.