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5. George John

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John’s ability to stay healthy throughout the season could be crucial for Dallas’s hopes of improving its position in the West and pushing for a playoff spot. The veteran defender is a natural leader on the pitch, and FCD does not have the same stability in defense if he misses out. He is already in doubt for the opening game against Montreal, and Pareja must hope that the player makes a quick recovery from the back injury that has also caused him to miss all the preseason matches.

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4. Mauro Diaz

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Mauro Diaz’s playing time had been limited by an unfortunate injury last season after the player scored thrice and set up two goals in 10 matches. Diaz showed enough talent to suggest that he could find significant playing time under Pareja and if he stays fit throughout the 2014 season, FCD might benefit from his role as an attacking midfielder.

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3. Fabian Castillo

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Fabian Castillo started 26 games last season, but found it tough to replicate his goal-scoring form from 2012. Pareja’s familiarity with the player might help Castillo make a greater impact this season, and the arrival of fellow Colombian Escobar could be crucial as the speedy wingers could complement each other.

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2. David Texeira

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Uruguayan striker David Texeira is an out-and-out striker, and technical director Fernando Clavijo was finally able to acquire the player after following him since the 2011 Under-20 World Cup. He is expected to provide valuable cover for Blas Perez, who is the club’s leading goal scorer during the last two seasons. Clavijo has high expectation for the young Designated Player, and Texeira could prove valuable to the team’s goal-scoring plans if Pareja manages to tap into the player's potential.

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1. Matt Hedges

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Center-back Matt Hedges could be the team’s captain this season, and Pareja has nothing but praise for the young star. The 23-year old was the fifth-most accurate passer in all of MLS last season and the only FCD player in the category’s top 50. Along with a healthy John, he could play a crucial role in improving the team's defensive performances, while ensuring Dallas does not concede as many goals as the team did last season: 52, which was good enough for the second-worst in the conference.

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