To get everyone prepared for Saturday's MLS Cup, I'll be taking an in-depth look at Real Salt Lake with some help from broadcaster Brian Dunseth. In part four of Scouting RSL, we look at the club's midfielders.
Key Players
Javier Morales (nine goals, 13 assists) - A creative midfielder who is the key Real Salt Lake's attack
Kyle Beckerman (4 goals, 6 assists) - One of the most consistent defensive midfielders who will likely be matched up against Benny Feilhaber and/or Graham Zusi
Dunny's take
"It's been similar (RSL's formation/style of play in midfield) but at the same time you know they lost Will Johnson, an All-Star and it was a big loss. They were forced to make some tough decisions because they got knocked out of Champions League and the financial ramifications and salary cap implications. What Will Johnson going to Portland did was it allowed Luis Gil to get a lot more minutes as well as Ned Grabavoy to not have to share as many minutes. I think Jason leaned on Ned in a way he didn't previously. I think the same can be said for Luis Gil. Luis' development has been phenomal this year. He's been so good and no one is talking about him being only 20 years old anymore. He's just very good two-way player. I think he's one of the best young players in this league and if he's on another team maybe he gets a little more shine but because he's on Real Salt Lake and he's got to share the spotlight with so many good players. I don't think people dismiss him but maybe they overlook how good of a player he is. Kyle Beckerman again has had another Best XI worthy year. He's been phenomal all year long. I think the same could be said for Javier Morales. I think he's been one of the best foreign players this year on both sides of the ball. He's got double digits in goals and assists in all competitions. He's just one of those unique players that can change the game in a split second. Despite his lack of size, strength, and stature, technically he's capable of doing what very very few players in this league are capable of doing. That's pretty much the solid four that Jason Kreis goes with (in midfield)."
Notable Stats
- Kyle Beckerman leads MLS with 2068 passes (regular season & postseason)
- Javier Morales leads MLS with 118 chances created (regular season & posteason)
- Ned Grabavoy leads the RSL midfield with a 87.73% passing accuracy
- Real Salt Lake leads MLS with 16855 passes and 55.59% possession
