New York City FC announced the signing of Mikkel Morgenstar Pålssønn Diskerud better known as Mix. The Norwegian-American midfielder will join with David Villa, Ned Grabavoy and eventually Frank Lampard in what is shaping up to be a pretty strong attack on paper. Diskerud has grabbed national attention recently with his run of appearances in the US National team lineup under Jürgen Klinsmann. The 24-year old is showing great potential and should be a fun player to watch in the upcoming MLS season.

First, I want to take a look at how Mix got here then breakdown what his signing means for NYCFC.
Diskerud started out playing in his home country of Norway for a couple junior and second division squads. He was a member of the Norwegian U-18 and U-19 squad while playing Stabæk’s B team in the Norwegian Second Division. In 2008, at the ripe age of 17 in a 14-0 romp of Vestfossen IF. He then was named a starter for the 2009 La Manga Cup and scored in the opening minutes. Around the same time, Diskerud made his first appearance in a red, white and blue uniform as well, playing for the U-19 United States squad in a few matches. Mix ended up making 81 appearances for Stabæk scoring 10 goals in his time there. He joined Gent in Belgium on loan for the end of the 2011 season before making the jump to Rosenborg BK for the start of the 2012 campaign. It did not seem like Mix would stay long though as he almost depart the team for the MLS at the end of 2012 but there was an issue with transfer policies and Diskerud stayed in Norway. The move to MLS made some since as he was ending his three-year hiatus from playing with US National team at this time, finding some significant playing time in the starting 11. Diskerud has now totaled 25 appearances in a US kit and already has five goals to his name. However, the move to the MLS has happened now and after making 59 appearances and scoring 5 goals for Rosenborg, Mix is now headed stateside.

Diskerud’s time in Norway was valuable experience but now he will begin playing alongside some excellent, albeit aging, players at the club level. Villa and Lampard are way above the level of just about any player in Norway, even if they are slowing down a bit. Signing Diskerud adds a talented, young player more than capable of generating offense and it greatly appeals to the fans, who will be thrilled to come and watch one of the American international players. This also gives NYCFC another young player to build around. They have already snagged the 22-year old forward Tony Mullins from New England. New York also has one last Designated Player spot left open for them to make a big signing. I would not be surprised for City to bring in a proven defender to really bolster this squad. This team might not be the best in the MLS this year, but once Lampard gets to New York, this team should be ready to compete.

This signing is a big one for both NYCFC and MLS. New York brings in a widely sought after player that will give them a spark in the midfield and MLS now has yet another US international playing on home soil at the club level. With the news that Jozy Altidore is on his way to the states as well (be on the lookout for more about this), MLS is bringing in some popular players which will hopefully give the leagues overall popularity a boost. NYCFC also get to feel good about keeping Mix away from their in-state rival, showing that very quickly City is becoming the club of choice in New York. There are still a couple of months until the 2015 MLS season kicks off so I would not be surprised if NYCFC made a another move or two to really make a splash heading into their inaugural season.