8. Luis Gil

Pos: M | Real Salt Lake | Age: 20

Last Year in 24U24: #2
2014 Stats: Matches played: 22 | Goals: 2 | Assists: 2
Castrol Index (as of 9/24/14): # 240

Some believe the US youth international’s development has stagnated some this year -- his minutes are down by roughly a third -- but his appearance in the top 10 here underscores the continued belief in his potential. The question of whether he’s better in the middle or out wide still seems unanswered, but there’s no question that he’s in coach Tab Ramos’s plans for the 2016 US Olympic team.

What the technical staffers say: "He has the ability -- he's technical, he's smart, he's physical -- to be the next guy to put RSL on his shoulders. He's in a good position now because he has strong players around him, so there is not too much pressure. Can he shoulder the load when he is the guy? That's going to be the challenge for him."

What Opta says: Ranks eighth among players under 24 with 1.43 chances created from open play per 90 minutes this season.

• READ: "[Gil] is playing with a smile"
• WATCH: Gil slots home the rebound
• WATCH: RSL strut their passing stuff, and Gil's there to finish it off

What do you think of Luis Gil? Tell us in the comments below.