7. Joao Plata

Pos: F | Real Salt Lake | Age: 22

Last Year in 24U24: N/A
2014 Stats: Matches played: 22 | Goals: 13 | Assists: 5
Castrol Index (as of 9/24/14): #5 

The diminutive Ecuadorian forward has been nothing short of huge this year, particularly after Alvaro Saborio went down with a knee injury. Plata’s 13 goals are tied for 6th in the league, and RSL are 7-1-4 when he scores. His quickness and desire to combine make him the perfect withdrawn forward for RSL’s pass-and-move style.

What the technical staffers say: "You've got to keep your eye on him. He's so dangerous. He's not a playmaker but he can create. He's not a goalscorer but he can score. He's just always a danger in the attacking third. What will happen when the roster starts to turn over? Can he mature enough to be the focal point of their attack?"

What Opta Sports says: Has scored .59 goals per game this season, which is a better average than any other player under 24.

• READ: Grabavoy: Plata is our best soccer player
• WATCH: Smallest man on the field nabs a big header
• WATCH: Plata & Grabavoy trick their way through the defense

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