Before the latest international window, Nashville SC were a bit of a one-trick pony. Granted, it was one hell of a trick.
Everyone from the opposing coach to the players' girlfriends knew that Nashville would run down the right side with three best XI-caliber players: Hany Mukhtar, Cristian Espinoza, and Andy Nájar. And, well, why wouldn't they? It worked pretty darn well!
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After the 2026 World Cup break, looking down on the rest of the league from the top of the Supporters' Shield rankings, General Manager Mike Jacobs decided it wasn't enough. For Nashville to achieve their goals, they needed balance, or at least some semblance of it. So, in one of the offseason's shrewder moves, Nashville acquired left winger Elias Saad on loan from Bundesliga club FC Aubsburg with an option to buy.
At the time, I loved this move because it was a low-risk, high-reward signing. Now, the returns are coming in. Nashville has unlocked their left side.
What the numbers say
The counting stats are there. Saad has four assists in 788 minutes in all competitions this season and averages 1.8 chances created per 90 minutes played (via FotMob). Only Cristian Espinoza, his counterpart on the right, creates more per game. Saad is also one of the team's best dribblers, averaging 1.5 dribbles completed per 90, and his ball progression has given Nashville another avenue to attack and progress.
Below are Nashville's touches in the box for 2026 with midfielders and center backs removed.
