Despite dealing with a nagging foot injury, Keaton Parks remains a cornerstone for New York City FC, and is arguably the team’s most reliable midfielder.
Now in his sixth season with the club, Parks is NYCFC’s longest-serving outfield player behind Maxi Moralez. His composure and leadership stand out this season, especially in a suddenly deep and competitive midfield.
While injuries have been a struggle for Parks this season, he gives 100% when he is fit to play. And at 27 years old, he’s entering his prime right when NYCFC needs a steady presence on the field.
Goals are beside the point
While Parks has just one goal this season, his value lies beyond direct goal contributions — he is effective in other ways. He dictates the tempo of the team, anchors the midfield, and makes smart decisions on both sides of the ball. Even after an own goal in the wild 4-3 loss to Atlanta United on March 29, and a few off nights over the season, his consistency has kept him central to NYCFC’s plans.
Had someone said at the start of the season that Parks would be nursing a foot injury, score a costly own goal, and compete for minutes in a crowded midfield flooded with talent, yet still be New York City’s most dependable midfielder through 17 games, nobody would have believed it. Yet, here we are.
His playing style and importance to New York City resembles that of former Columbus Crew midfielder Aiden Morris, now with Middlesbrough in England. Like Morris, Parks is heavily involved on both ends of the field, is the glue of the midfield, and doesn’t rely on goal tally to make an impact. Instead, he knows when to push forward, when to track back on defense, and when to be aggressive in tackles and interceptions. Here's how 2025 Keaton Parks compares to 2024 Aidan Morris, per FBref:
Keaton Parks vs Aiden Morris | Possession
Keaton Parks vs Aiden Morris | Defensive Actions
Keaton Parks vs Aiden Morris | Passing
Parks is on track to equal or do better than Morris in most stats by the end of the season. There are still a lot of games left — as long as Parks is healthy to get consistent minutes.
The 6’ 4” box-to-box midfielder has adapted well to playing under Pascal Jansen, which was a big question heading into the season. The one certainty, though, was that Parks would have a spot in the midfield. And even with Jonny Shore’s breakout and Aiden O’Neill’s arrival, Parks remains a fixture in the lineup.
And with that trademark mullet, he remains a fan favorite.
