Mar 12, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact forward Dominic Oduro (7) celebrates with teammate Ignacio Piatti (10) after scoring a goal against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at the Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Impact have been riding at or near the top of the Eastern Conference standing for most of the young season. While many felt they had the ability to be a dark horse for the eastern crown, many (like yours truly) felt they would only go as far as Didier Drogba’s knees would allow them to go. Somebody must have forgot to tell Ignacio Piatti.

The Argentinian midfielder has been on fire this season and has served up some truly stunning acts of skill. His performance against the Columbus Crew on Saturday earned the Impact a draw against the team many picked as a contender for the MLS champion this season.

Piatti showed his tremendous abilities last season finishing with 12 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. He has carried that momentum into this season and the understanding he has built with Drogba is giving the Impact a lethal attack.

His ability to take on defenders and to play off of his teammates is opening up more space in the attack. While his skill with the ball at his feet is impressive, so is his finishing. He already has multiple “goal of the year” candidates on this season’s resume.

Expectations for Piatti coming to Montreal were inline with most typical Designated Player signings. There was hope he would be a difference maker on the pitch, but his arrival was not trumpeted with the same fanfare as Drogba, and for good reason. Drogba came to Montreal with a sterling resume from his stops in Marseille and his legendary status at Chelsea. He had been watched over the last decade tear up the Premier League and terrorize defenses in European competitions.

Piatti came with a reputation as a skilled dribbler. He played in Ligue 1 (Saint-Etienne) and in the Serie A (Lecce) in brief stints, but saw his greatest success at home in Argentina for San Lorenzo. He is the type of player MLS needs more of. Intelligent in the attack, a player who can effect the game through their passing, breaking down defenses or finding the net.

With Piatti hitting his stride, and finding a rhythm with his teammates in attack, Montreal has the opportunity to make this season a special one. With Piatti leading the way they have all the pieces they need on the attacking end. It remains to be seen if their defense can keep pace. If they sure up some of their issues on the backend, the Impact may be the team everybody will be chasing.