Fabian Herbers started the first three matches of Philadelphia Union's season while Fafa Picault was suspended and he produced four shots during that time as the Union went 1-1-1. Next came a nearly four-month break during which Herbers didn't make a first team appearance. However, this is not the story of an unproductive player; in fact, it is quite the opposite.
In just over 1,100 minutes with Bethlehem Steel FC in 2018, Herbers knocked home five goals. Even more important for Brendan Burke's side, though, was that Herbers was able to provide an excellent example of how to execute the defensive duties required of the striker. In the 4-2-3-1 system employed throughout the Union organization last year, the striker is the first line of defense, and understanding when and how to press is essential for providing the rest of the defense with cues for how to press and remain compact. Throughout the Steel FC season, Burke spoke highly of Herbers' willingness to work and set the tone for the team up front. That selflessness earned the young attacker a recall to the Union first team, and he grabbed the new opportunity with two hands, flying around the pitch and using his energy to help win the ball back late in matches.
Herbers provided a blueprint for how the Union wants players outside of their first eleven to act; he worked for the club, even if that meant making the trek to Bethlehem week after week. By providing an example for Steel FC players Herbers became a conduit for the Union coaches, showing developing talents how to behave when the path to their personal goals was blocked.
A large part of the Union's success this past season was due to the culture of the club: Jim Curtin emphasized that the team never got too high or too low, and that helped them progress through a slow start to become a playoff team, beating out bigger spenders such as New England, Montreal, and Orlando City.
The biggest moment of Herbers' season may have come against Sporting Kansas City. Playing in front of MLS debutant Olivier Mbaizo, the winger had to be defensively attentive while providing support to Jay Simpson. Philly used a pair of holding midfielders, so there was less of an attacking push than normal through the center and Herbers had to help make up the difference. The Union won 2-0, and Herbers proved he was a player that could be trusted to provide a big spot start at an important moment in the season. Fabian Herbers lived the Union's 2018 identity, even though that meant he had to put the club above himself.
