Starts: 26
Minutes: 2,254
Age: 25
Key Stat: 98th percentile for aerial duels won per 90 of all MLS midfielders (2.38)
In one of New York City's most important wins of the season, one particular moment will always be remembered — and not for good reason.
It was in the 70th minute of NYCFC's 3-1 playoff win over Charlotte FC. That's when Andrés Perea went up for a header but landed awkwardly on his right leg and suffered a significant injury. It was later announced as a right lower leg fracture.
That gruesome injury shouldn't overshadow Perea's impressive season, in which he started 26 games and played 2,254 minutes, both career highs. The 25-year-old, who became a staple in Head Coach Pascal Jansen's lineup, added three goals and two assists.
A rapid rise
Although Perea ended the year as a staple in New York City's lineup, he started the year quietly. A hip seemingly suffered injury in preseason limited him to a handful of late substitute appearances until the 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati on May 4, when he made his first start of the season.
From that game on, Perea was irreplaceable: He started 19 of the remaining 20 MLS games and quickly became one of NYCFC's most important players.
Perea is not like your typical midfielder. He's not a passer, or sharp on the ball. Instead, he's good in the air, helps defensively, and likes to get forward.
The 6-foot midfielder won 53 aerial duels and averaged 2.38 aerials won per 90 this season, which put him in the 98th percentile of the league. Looking specifically at New York City, only defender Thiago Martins won more aerial duels (64).
Perea won 27 tackles, tied for fourth-most on the team. He recorded 26 blocks (sixth), 17 interceptions (seventh), and 47 clearances (sixth).
