“You need those qualities in the back,” de Boer said. “He’s crucial in the back. We don’t want to let him go.”

Gonzalez Pirez said earlier this week that he’s happy at Atlanta United, where he has made 64 starts the past two seasons. He finished fourth in the Defender of the Year voting last season.

De Boer said he would like for the team to add depth at centerback, particularly someone who is left-footed. Gonzalez Pirez is actually right-footed, but plays well with his left foot.

Coincidentally, the team is reportedly pursuing Florentin Pogba, who is a left-footed centerback.

“If you play with three in the back, for example, you need at least one more,” de Boer said.