Settling the Swiderski and Agyemang debate
By Brian Maurer

Photo courtesy of Cisco's Art/TopBin90
With Karol Åwiderski returning as the starting striker a lot of debate opened up on social media amongst the fanbase on gameday between Charlotte FC and Austin FC. The primary focus of the discussion was on starting Åwiderski or Patrick Agyemang as the striker and then rotating one or the other around to a different position to get both on the field.
Here are a few points on that discussion:
1. Dean Smith's stance on Swiderski changed
When Smith was first asked about how he viewed Åwiderski as an attacker he described him as a versatile player who could be used in multiple roles. That stance changed during last Friday's presser when he stated that he was going to play the Polish international as a nine.
Smith opted to do what his coaching predecessor didn't which was give Åwiderski the primary striker role. Some fans were upset by this decision, primarily because of the minutes that will be taken from Agyemang. However, Smith's commitment to actually playing Åwiderski in his preferred position could be a positive for all parties.
Åwiderski will get his chance to lead this team from his preferred position, Charlotte will likely look for a long-term chance creator in the transfer window instead of a striker, and Agyemang will get some of the heat taken off of him as he continues to develop.
2. Swiderski's opportunity to lead from the front
The remainder of 2024 has turned into a great opportunity for Åwiderski to prove that he can show up in big moments in big-time games down the final stretch of this season and the playoffs.
This opportunity could lead him to the better European move that he has always stated he wanted or it may convince him that Charlotte is the place to stay. Either way, it could work out well for him and the club if he takes this chance and runs with it.
3. Charlotte FC can now change their focus to finding a chance creator
With multiple options available to Smith at the striker position the Front Office can pivot their priorities to finding a chance creator either in the midfield or on the wing depending on availability.
Before, Smith expressed a desire to have a new Designated Player striker. Now that he has seen Åwiderski and has committed to him up top the chance that that is still the focus is unlikely. The club will likely be flushing out other spots on their roster with additional playmakers. They have the flexibility to make a serious splash in the playmaker department if they can find the right option.
4. Agyemang will get the heat taken off him
For a young prospect who was thrust into a starting role due to a change in direction, Agyemang demonstrated the high ceiling of his potential. He is averaging a goal contribution every 170 minutes. That's a better average return rate than Åwiderski's first season in Charlotte. Not bad for a SuperDraft pick in his first full MLS season.
But that starting position also came with a lot of pressure. The club was desperately looking for consistent goalscoring, which the young striker struggled to provide at times. Not all the blame for the attacking inconsistencies belongs to Agyemang, but strikers get most of the burden. That's why it's one of the most high-pressure positions in the game. The Rhode Island graduate felt the heat and will now have the time to learn from it and grow.
There is a chance that Agyemang's progression this year could earn him a new contract. He almost certainly will get his option exercised, so he will have another opportunity to push for that starting spot again. The experience of being scrutinized week-in and week-out as a starting striker will pay dividends for him long-term. He will know what to expect when he gets his next opportunity.
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