Some well-deserved recognition for Atlanta United midfielder Yamil Asad, who was announced as number 11 in Major League Soccer’s 24 under 24 rankings Wednesday. The annual list compiled by league writers ranks the performance and future prospects of the best players in MLS under the age of 24. As a newcomer to the league this year, this is the 23-year-old Argentine’s first time being selected in the list, and the first Atlanta United player named in the countdown.
Asad, the son of former Argentine international Omar Asad, spent his entire youth and senior career at Argentine Primera División side Vélez Sarsfield before joining Atlanta United on a season-long loan on January 11th of this year. He’s been a staple in head coach Tata Martino’s side ever since, starting all but two league games this season for the Five Stripes. In that time, he’s scored six goals and added twelve assists – just four assists off the league lead. His performances have led him to be named to the MLS Team of the Week two times this season, most recently after his two-goal, two-assist performance in their 4-0 victory over the L.A. Galaxy.
Asad’s tricky dribbling and creative passing have made him a nightmare for MLS fullbacks all season long, and his tireless work rate has made him a crucial cog in the now-infamous Atlanta United high defensive press. Combine that with an impressive eye for goal and one can understand why he’s been one of the first names on Coach Martino’s team sheet all season. But no moment can top his very first night in red, black and gold, when he wrote his name in the history books by scoring the first-ever goal in Atlanta United history in their inaugural MLS match against New York Red Bulls.
Yamil has adhered himself to fans and teammates alike in his first MLS season, and has become one of the most outstanding talents of any age in Major League Soccer this season. It’s no surprise he’s caught the eye of many MLS writers and found himself ranking high in the league’s 24 under 24 list.
