United's Argentinian playmaker, Luciano Acosta, has been selected as one of the best players in MLS under the age of 24 (14th, to be exact). The Buenos Aires native has played well in his first year in MLS while on loan from Argentina giants Boca Juniors, leading the team in assists and chances created (nine and 43, respectively).
"He's a big part of our attack," United head coach Ben Olsen said.
.@LuchoAcosta94 has been named #14 on @MLS top 24 players under 24!#DCU#24U24 Read: https://t.co/cT4L9nxbDJpic.twitter.com/J9BDkH6JgG
— D.C. United (@dcunited) September 20, 2016
In 27 appearances this season, Acosta has made 21 starts and also leads the team in successful dribbles with 50. He tied a franchise record with three assists in one game against the Chicago Fire on August 27 and won MLS Goal of the Month for an audacious chip against the New England Revolution back in April (his first career MLS goal).
For every player that made the list, various technical staffers around the league weighed in:
"Listen, any time you get the No. 10 shirt at [Boca Juniors] you are different, you’re special. There’s a lot of weight that comes with that shirt too, so I think he’s still a young guy that has dealt with a lot of pressure. I think coming to MLS has been great. Luciano’s adjusted quickly to the league. Now you’re starting to really see it add up to goals and assists. And that was the question, is he just a tiny guy who can do 400 step-overs and roll a ball through a guy’s legs but not make the right decision on the final ball? And now you’re starting to see that final ball – he’s special.”
For more on Acosta, visit MLSsoccer.com.
The top 24 players were revealed starting on Monday, September 19, and were picked by a panel of soccer media members across the US and Canada. The cut-off date for eligibility for this year’s ranking was October 23, the final day of the 2016 MLS regular season. For the full list, click here.
