United Designated Player Paul Arriola has been named to Major League Soccer's Best 24 Under 24 list, landing at number 9.
Here’s why @PaulArriola made the #24U24 list: pic.twitter.com/OQUruXl7Rv
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 28, 2017
What the technical staffers say:
“He brings a lot of energy, he’s got a good engine and I think at this time in his career he’s a work in progress, but hopefully he can add some end product as he matures and have more goals and assists.”
“He’s someone that brings a spark of energy into the game whether he starts or comes off the bench. I think he can get down the line and get a cross in, but I think his energy is a big part of his game. His fitness levels are probably biggest assets that he brings to the table.”
“What we have to do as a country is we have to make players like Arriola not merely a wingback, but a true winger that is goal dangerous. That’s something as a country that we lack in terms of player development, to add that last piece of technical ability where you have the ability to take that guy off the dribble 1v1. We produce lots of fast, athletic players who are hardworking with a good mentality, but we don’t yet produce special players. And Arriola’s path over the next few years will be interesting to see the way that goes.”
“He’s a remarkably promising player that really does have the potential to continue to help reshape D.C. Along with another guy that’s on the list in Acosta, those are two guys that have the ability to change the complete scene for D.C. United soccer and take them back to a more promising outlook.”
