Mar 5, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; New York City FC head coach Patrick Vieira applauds to the fans following an MLS soccer match against the Orlando City FC at the Orlando Stadium. Orlando won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

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Coming into the 2017 campaign as the league’s sixth youngest team, the age drop could be significant for NYCFC and Patrick Vieira.

It’s always good to have a young team in any sport, and for Patrick Vieira, it’s perfect. After his off-season acquisitions, the average age on this NYCFC squad lands at 25.77. A significant drop over the last two years, 26.6 (in 2016) and 27.4 (in 2017), and this could be crucial.

As we all know, this NYCFC gig is Vieira’s first professional one. Vieira’s coaching career began with NYCFC’s sister club Manchester City managing the academy squad. Vieira overlooked players such as Angelino and Shay Facey who were loaned over to NYCFC in the inaugural season.

Overall, Manchester City’s development squad under Vieira was one of the best in Europe. With his playing experience and leadership skills with youngsters, why wouldn’t you want to learn from Vieira?

Even the veterans such as David Villa and Andrea Pirlo have taken in Vieira’s coaching points. They’ve also seen how his knowledge can reach to the young players and the perfect example is Jack Harrison.

Last year, Harrison fit into Vieira’s tactics and formation perfectly. Something draft picks Jonathan Lewis and Kwame Awuah can strive for this season. Other international youngsters that could shine bright under Vieira are midfielders Miguel Camargo, Alexander Ring and 19-year old, new Man City signing Yangel Herrera.

Some critics think that having the youngest team could also mean having an inexperienced team. Well, when you have Vieira at the helm, not to mention Villa up top, that not might be the case as he’s proven to work wonders with up and coming players.