FRISCO, Texas – The enigmatic story of Mauro Diaz’s injury may have entered a new chapter after FC Dallas’ Friday game against the Colorado Rapids.
The oft-injured but talented Argentine finally cracked the lineup after five weeks nursing a recurring leg injury. And to make his return even better, it only took Diaz 31 minutes into the game to score his first goal of the season, giving him a sense of confidence as he gets his legs back under him.
“I feel very happy to be back, and obviously a goal makes me more confident to keep going on a good track,” Diaz told MLSSoccer.com through a translator.
And even though it took Diaz five frustrating weeks of mixing in training with rehab and sitting on the bench, after starting the first three games of the season, all FCD wins, head coach Oscar Pareja believes his young midfielder is returning to his full potential.
“It’s natural with a player that didn’t have too much continuity last year to retake his full level,” Pareja told MLSsoccer.com, noting that Diaz only played in 17 games in 2014. “It takes games, especially when we wanted to work on his strengthening and his balance to avoid future injuries. So it’s a process for sure, but I do really see all things coming back.”
The Dallas attack remained dangerous even without Diaz on the pitch – featuring the eye-popping ability of winger Fabian Castillo. Even Diaz’s goal on Friday in the 1-1 draw was a direct result of Castillo’s innate ball skills.
But as a team, FCD logged a mere 1-2-1 record without Diaz in the lineup. Pareja says getting Diaz back in the starting XI adds another dimension to his team’s attack.
“He brings calmness,” Pareja said. “Like I said before, he turns the lights on in the last third of the field especially. That’s his ability. He does that job well. So it’s good to have someone who can glue us in the middle, and at the same time have that final pass and decision right.”
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As far as playing a full 90 minutes is concerned, Diaz and Pareja both believe that the midfielder is nearing that workload. But as has been the case since his injuries last season, the team continues to take a conservative approach to make sure he is fully right to avoid overworking him.
“I feel like I could do 90 minutes,” Diaz said, “but it all comes down to the decision of the coach and keeping recuperating with my legs.”
Given the skills Diaz has shown in limited MLS action and the fact that the team struggled to pick up wins with him out of the lineup, his return could not come at a better time.
“We are happy to see a player who is important for the group, who has different characteristics getting back to that level,” Pareja said. “It’ll take a few games, but we’re in a good direction.”
