A Two-Way Winger With Upside: Atlanta United’s Enzo Dovlo Explained

Atlanta United’s first-round SuperDraft selection, Enzo Dovlo, fits a familiar profile in the club’s recent player acquisition strategy: a wide attacker with end product, defensive commitment, and room to grow.

The 22-year-old winger arrives in Atlanta after a standout season at UNC Greensboro, where he posted 10 goals and 8 assists in 23 starts, earning United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-America honors and establishing himself as one of the most productive attackers in the Southern Conference. For Dovlo, 2025 was the season when refinement met confidence and when his development across multiple environments began to show consistently.

A Season That Balanced Goals and Creativity

Dovlo’s breakout year was defined by efficiency and composure in the final third. He wasn’t simply a volume shooter or a touchline winger living on service, he became a reliable decision-maker.

“I think I improved my finishing,” Dovlo said. “I was more calm during the season, and because of that I scored more goals.”

That calmness extended to his all-around attacking game. By improving his right foot, Dovlo became more difficult to defend, forcing defenders to respect multiple options rather than overplaying his stronger side.

“I improved my right foot, so defenders had to respect both sides,” he said. “Before, they could push me one way. Now I had more options.”

The result was a winger capable of creating chances for others as often as he finished them himself, a balance reflected in his assist total and his role within UNCG’s attack.

Built in the College Environment

Dovlo credits head coach Chris Rich and the UNCG staff for accelerating that growth. His early years in Greensboro required adjustment, not just tactically, but culturally and linguistically.

“My first year was not easy,” Dovlo said. “My English was not good, but they really helped me. They gave me confidence on the field and off the field.”

That trust became foundational. As UNCG pushed deep into the NCAA Tournament this season and faced high-level opposition, Dovlo was tested in high-pressure environments that mirrored the expectations of the professional game.

“When you play the NCAA Tournament, everyone is watching,” he said. “You have pressure, and you have to show your quality.”

For Atlanta United, those moments matter. Players who have operated under scrutiny and stakes often transition more smoothly into MLS matchday demands.

European Foundations, American Refinement

Before college soccer, Dovlo developed in the RC Strasbourg academy, where competition and tactical detail were constants.

“In France, you always compete,” Dovlo said. “Every day you fight to be in the starting eleven.”

That environment emphasized complete winger responsibilities. Proper defensive shape, positional awareness, and off-ball work... all elements that now underpin his profile as a two-way player rather than a purely attacking specialist. Dovlo even featured often as a fullback during his first season in Greensboro.

“The formation there works on all aspects of the game,” he said. “Defensively and offensively.”

Why He Fits Atlanta United

Dovlo's performances at the MLS College Showcase and Combine made an impression. While the selection came as a surprise to the player, the fit was immediately clear.

Dovlo understands the expectations that come with the club’s identity and the responsibility of contributing on both sides of the ball.

“I think my quality in 1-v-1 situations is strong,” he said. “I can create chances, bring crosses, or finish myself.”

Just as important is his work rate.

“I think I have good fitness,” Dovlo said. “I want to score, but I also want to defend. In soccer now, it’s really important to play both sides.”

That mindset aligns with Atlanta United’s demand for wide players who can press, recover, and stay engaged defensively without sacrificing attacking intent.

Step by Step Upside

Dovlo is clear-eyed about the road ahead. While his long-term ambitions remain open, his immediate focus is singular.

“My first objective is to play MLS with Atlanta,” he said. “Right now, that’s the focus.”

For Atlanta United, Dovlo represents a calculated investment: a productive college attacker with European grounding, proven durability, and tactical buy-in. For the player, Atlanta is the next proving ground.

A two-way winger with upside and now, an opportunity to turn potential into consistency at the professional level.