Impact don't expect Dilly Duka to return as roster turnover continues

When Zarek Valentin decided to return to MLS earlier this month, the Montreal Impact acquired an international roster slot from Portland in exchange for him. Valentin had been playing in Europe, but IMFC retained his MLS rights. Thus, the Impact were compensated for his services.

It appears that a similar situation has come of midfielder Dilly Duka. Although out of a contract with the team, Duka's MLS rights are still held by Montreal (perhaps similar to a "restricted free agent" if this were the NHL).

Duka is another example of a changing midfield. He joins Justin Mapp as the second Montreal midfielder to seek a change of address this off-season. The acquisition of Lucas Ontivero earlier this week does, however, partially offset these departures.

Many Impact fans are looking to the management team to land another large piece for the midfield. Although this may seem ideal - there's no such thing as having too much talent - it isn't absolutely necessary. Especially if Mauro Biello sticks to his 4-3-3 that we saw at the end of last year.

If we believe that we know what to expect from the defense, and that the 3 central midfielders will consist of the experience of Marco Donadel, Patrice Bernier, and Nigel Reo-Coker, with the youth of Eric Alexander, Kyle Bekker, and Calum Mallace, then the current cast of wingers should suffice.

That is: Ignacio Piatti, Dominic Oduro, Johan Venegas, Andres Romero, Maxim Tissot, and now Lucas Ontivero. These six can fill the spots on the left and right side of the centre forward.

Therefore, the management team's priority should be in retaining/replacing Didier Drogba. It would be his departure that would leave the biggest hole, not the departures of Mapp and Duka.

Do you have confidence in IMFC's current cast of wingers?