Orlando’s Daryl Dike Raises Stock Value After Brace Against SJ Earthquakes
Daryl Dike greets the audience before Orlando City SC's match against San Jose Earthquakes at Exploria Stadium Sunday, June 20, 2021. Photo: Harry Castiblanco/Florida National News.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando City are riding high after their five-star performance on a rainy night in Exploria Stadium Sunday. Orlando wasted little time making their mark in this encounter. The Lions put three goals past San Jose before play was halted due to weather conditions. Upon their return, Orlando made their mark yet again as they forced two more goals past the Earthquakes. This game marks the first time Orlando City have gone up five goals against an opponent since September 2017, where they trounced NE Revolution 6-1.
Many players deserve plaudits for Orlando’s recent success in this early season run. Chris Mueller looks much more relaxed both on and off the ball as he slipped past defenders and made key passes multiple times this game. With his assists, he also tied Kaka for all-time assists leader at Orlando. Nani has seemingly reactivated his vintage form as well, as he continually danced around defenders often leaving 1-2 opposing players stupefied on the left side of the box.
But no other player has captured the imagination of Orlando’s ‘Purple Wall’ quite like the 21-year-old star from Oklahoma, Daryl Dike. Dike has been on a tear since his introduction to the OCSC starting lineup last year. After Wednesday’s brace, Dike has made 10 goals in 19 appearances for the Lions. That, and his uber-successful run with Barnsley in the EFL Championship this Summer (9 goals in 19 appearances), has put a stop watch on his MLS career.
Show me the money
Just before the season, Orlando Sentinel’s Julia Poe reported that the asking price for Daryl Dike remains around $20 million. That price has only gone up exponentially since that report in April with Daryl Dike continuing to shine. His physicality on the ball makes him a menace for defenders. He possesses a perfect blend of strength and speed that enables him to dart past goalkeepers and drill balls into the back of the net.
The best asset of Dike’s game is his IQ. Constantly making awkward runs to trouble defenders and poach away badly timed passes. Maneuvering through defensive lines and always keeping his head up to find the ball in open space. These are the small characteristics that are defining Dike’s game, and Orlando City have enjoyed the spoils.
“Every single training session — whether its been on loan, or with the National team, or coming back here — I always kind of made sure I improved. Being able to find space, my movement, how I work with the guys around me is always something I told myself I want to improve on. Having leaders around you like Nani makes it easier, of course.”
— Daryl Dike
With a solid star-in-the-making like Daryl Dike in Orlando’s stable, there is no telling what the valuation for a player like him will be once he eventually leaves Exploria Stadium. As Dike continues to develop his form with USMNT and finds success with the Lions, it’s hard to see Dike staying past the end of this season. If he even gets that far.
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Nicolas Vera is a sports reporter for Florida National News. | sports@floridanationalnews.com
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