New Chicago Fire midfielder Nicolas Gaitan made his MLS debut in Week 5, coming in during the 63rd minute of the Fire's 1-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls.
Gaitan, an Argentine international player with 16 international caps for the Albiceleste, signed with the Fire earlier this month on a free transfer after a year and a half with Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang. Prior to playing in China, Gaitan was a player on successful Benfica and Atletico Madrid teams.
Gaitan, subbing in for Aleksander Katai, immediately got into the fray on a corner kick.
“It’s very important for him to see the crazy coach he has on the bench," Paunovic said after the Week 5 win. "Then it’s important for him to step on the field to learn the atmosphere, to learn our fans and their spirit. And to learn the opposition. Today I think he saw a real strong team in front of him [NY Red Bulls]. So that’s a good adjustment for him. He did very good. I love the couple of great touches he had. He just shows the class in every play he is involved.
"Being experienced like he is, and with his quality talent and intelligence, he will quickly learn what he needs to have moving forward and prepare for the next game."
