When Atlanta United announced that they had signed Brek Shea to a one-year deal, it was hard to know exactly what they were getting. For many in Atlanta, their first impression of Shea came via his last two underwhelming seasons with Vancouver. His 46 appearances for Orlando City, time in the EPL with Stoke City, and early rise to prominence with FC Dallas all came before Atlanta United had played an MLS match.



However, Shea knew exactly why Atlanta was the right fit for him.



“I want to get back to a team that plays,” Shea told The Athletic. “I was not enjoying my last two years to the fullest and I want to get back to a team that plays good soccer and have fun. Just watching Atlanta last year, it was so exciting. It’s just fun to play in a system like that. And that fits me and my style.”



At his best, Shea can be one of the league’s most versatile players. The former national team winger and MLS MVP nominee in 2011...