Top 3 Real Salt Lake Players to Watch Against Vancouver Whitecaps

With Real Salt Lake's match against Vancouver Whitecaps this coming October 20, 2024, all eyes are on three standout players who have been key to the Utah-based side this season. Currently 4th in the MLS, with 56 points, Real Salt Lake has the edge over Vancouver, who sits in 8th place with 47 points. Nonetheless, this is going to be an important match for both sides as Real Salt Lake aims to position itself for a higher playoff spot. Now, let's take a more lucid look at some pivotal players who can make the difference for them in this important clash.

1. Cristian Arango – Forward

Cristian Arango has been the go-to man this season in Real Salt Lake's attack. The Colombian leads in scoring for the team, with 17 goals at an average of 0.6 goals per game. He has been producing in front of the net with very sharp instincts, positioning, and clinical finishing. His ability to find space in the opposition's box will be important against Vancouver Whitecaps, a team which has struggled defensively, conceding 65 goals this season.

Arango is an adaptive forward who can play both as a target man and as one who drops deep to link up play. Creating and converting chances have been some of the strengths he has brought into the team to make him indispensable at Real Salt Lake, and he will no doubt be the anchor of their attack in this match. Given Vancouver's frailties in defense, Arango might find space to expose their leaky backline and add to his pretty impressive goal tally.

2. Andrés Gómez – Winger

Another player to watch is Andrés Gómez, who has been quite dynamic on the wings for Real Salt Lake. Amassing 13 goals in this season and averaging 0.7 per game, Gómez has been an imminent threat down the wings. His pace is a nightmare to defenders, with his ability to dribble and go directly at them. Against a Vancouver Whitecaps defense that has at times shown vulnerability to quick, attacking play, the role of Gómez could be very key in attempting to break them down.

Not only can Gómez score effectively, but he also creates so many scoring chances for his teammates. His ability to stretch the opposition's defense and put in accurate crosses will be so important in this match, especially with Arango lurking inside the box. If he gets past Vancouver's full-backs, Gómez is going to have a big say in the outcome of the match, either through goals or assists to very key opportunities for his teammates.

3. Diego Luna – Midfielder

Diego Luna has been a creative sparkplug for Real Salt Lake so far this season. With 9 goals to his name and a smattering of assists, the vision and playmaking ability of Luna have proven to be integral in piecing together the midfield and attack. Often, his sense of space and timing of passes unlock defenses, and his average of 0.4 goals per game puts a stamp on his capacity to directly contribute towards the scoring efforts of his team.

Luna's work in this match will be one of tempo control from midfield against a Vancouver side that will most likely look to disrupt Real Salt Lake's rhythm. His creativity and calmness on the ball will be very important in breaking down the Vancouver defense, considering that the game is going to be a tactical one mid-park. His ability in set-pieces could add an extra threat, given how Vancouver has struggled with lapses in concentration during much of the season.

In addition, Real Salt Lake has been involved in high-scoring games, where 60% of the matches have seen over 2.5 goals. This is a run that runs alongside Vancouver's record of 53.49% of their matches seeing over 2.5 goals. The match can be expected to be open with many scoring chances either way, especially for Real Salt Lake, whose attacking trio would look to capitalize on Vancouver's leaky defense.