Why NYCFC Should Start Managing Maxi Moralez’s Minutes More Carefully

NYCFC’s Maxi Moralez Deserves Smarter Squad Management

At 38, Maxi Moralez is still one of New York City FC’s most important players—but it's time for Pascal Jansen to consider giving the veteran midfielder more structured rest. With Santiago Rodríguez’s departure leaving a creative void, Moralez has remained essential, particularly in the No. 10 role.

Even if his 2025 stats—one goal and one assist—don’t leap off the page, Moralez’s value goes beyond raw numbers. His passing remains reliable with an 82% accuracy rate, just shy of his 2024 performance and close behind NYCFC leader Jonathan Shore’s 86% among players with 10+ appearances.

His experience, leadership, and understanding of the NYCFC identity make him a vital presence in the locker room. These intangible qualities were a key factor behind his return this season.

However, the question arises: Should Moralez continue playing the full 90 minutes every match? Or is it time to manage his minutes more wisely?

Giving him a break around the 60 to 70-minute mark, or even resting him for certain games, could help preserve his impact for the long haul. It’s not just about protecting his legs—it’s about maximizing his quality during key stretches of the season.

Moralez’s creative spark also seems dulled. While his pass completion hasn’t dropped significantly, his chance creation feels less frequent, though that might also be due to NYCFC’s poor finishing—they had scored only two goals in five matches across all competitions before the Hudson River Derby.

Resting Moralez more frequently could be the key to both extending his effectiveness and helping NYCFC rediscover its attacking rhythm.