9. Wil Trapp

Pos: M | Columbus Crew | Age: 21

Last Year in 24U24: N/A 
2014 Stats: Matches played: 23 | Goals: 1 | Assists: 2
Castrol Index (as of 9/24/14): #117

Since debuting in July 2013, he’s been a near ever-present in the Crew midfield. His composure on the ball, positioning sense, and natural leadership belie his age. And now "the Franchise," as he's nicknamed, is becoming a scoring threat: He notched his first MLS goal two weeks ago. He'll almost certainly be part of the next US Olympic squad, and maybe soon part of the US senior team.     

What the technical staffers say: "Positionally, he's very smart and he's a real good passer. He very confident. He's had good games and OK games, but very vew bad games. His mobility is an issue. He struggles to cover the ground sometimes, and he seems to be good for one big mistake a game. Everyone makes mistakes, but he always seems to lose an important battle that leads to a chance every game."

What Opta says: Averages 81.34 touches per game, more than any other player under 24 in MLS.

• READ: For Crew, a Homegrown hero & franchise player arrives
• WATCH: Trapp fires in his first career goal from distance
• WATCH: MLS Insider: The Homegrown project

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