Unquestionably, New York City FC fans would have loved to see at least another year of Justin Haak and Thiago Martins partnering up in the backline. The two worked well together as the main center-back partnership and were arguably the best defenders on the team in 2025. Hence, it was not surprising, with Haak leaving for the LA Galaxy on a free transfer, that Martins was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the Pigeons.
However, Haak's departure has made a certain summer signing look incredible. Brazilian center-back Raul Gustavo joined NYCFC back in August, and he did not get playing time right away.