FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas is back in North Texas after its 12-day training camp in Marbella, Spain. The team played three preseason friendlies: a scoreless draw against Malmö FF, a 1-1 draw with Jeonbuk Hyundai and a 1-0 win over Hammarby IF. Head coach Nico Estévez used a variety of lineups and substitutions across all three games, so every player had plenty of opportunity to shine. Here are three players who stood out during their time in the south of Spain and boosted their stock ahead of the club's home opener on Feb. 25.
Nolan Norris
Seventeen-year-old Homegrown defender Nolan Norris has had a great debut preseason so far and looked comfortable in his three appearances in Marbella. Not only is the Fort Worth native adjusting to the pro level, he’s also making the transition from left back to center back so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he was taking time to get up to speed. That hasn’t been the case, however, and Norris is showing why he’s been a mainstay in the U.S. youth national team program over the last few years. He’s excellent on the ball and has strong defensive anticipation instincts, especially for a player who’s learning a new position. Since Norris is still so young it’s tough to predict how big a role he’ll play for the FCD first team this year. But his poise and performances over the last two weeks has only helped his case.
Geovane Jesus
New right back signing Geovane Jesus was a late arrival to preseason but his performances in Marbella showed exactly why Dallas brought him in from Cruzeiro in Brazil. Still just 21, Jesus is very strong defensively (especially in the air) and contributed to FCD’s two shutouts over the three games. He also showed his ability on the attacking end and nearly provided an assist in Dallas’ final game with an excellent cross to Jesús Ferreira whose volley was just wide. Jesus’ form in Spain puts him in contention for a starting spot on opening day.
Jáder Obrian
Jáder Obrian is the most known quantity on this shortlist but he kicked it up a gear in Spain. The 27-year-old is entering his third season in MLS with 11 goals and eight assists to his name and he looks to be ready to improve upon that tally in 2023. Obrian was energetic over the three games, often leading FCD’s press and hurrying the opponents’ backline. He also showed his finishing touch, scoring Dallas’ equalizer from the penalty spot against Jeonbuk Hyundai (he also scored an excellent header in FCD’s opening game against Malmö but was marginally offside). Obrian’s form is an encouraging sign for Dallas, who could benefit from some extra goals off the bench.
