Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 27. Diego Rossi

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Diego Rossi has long shown MLS fans his ability and he opted for a return to the league and Columbus Crew after a short trip away. Rossi won a Golden Boot with LAFC and yet some of his best minutes in the league so far have come in his new role with Columbus. Across 48 appearances in various competitions, Rossi managed 21 goals. He starred in the Crew attack underneath Cucho Hernandez. Cucho is headed off to play for Real Betis, leaving the team with a hole at striker.

Rossi scored in each of the matches against Tigres in the CONCACAF Champions Cup win. He began to heat up in MLS in May with goals in three straight games. He grabbed both goals in a 2-0 win over Orlando City during that stretch. In July, he scored and assisted four goals a piece during a blazing four-game stretch in which the Crew earned all 12 points and outscored opponents 16-2. In Leagues Cup, he posted back-to-back braces against Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami. He added his third brace of the tournament against Philadelphia Union. The Crew danced to the final and defeated LAFC 3-1, hoisting the Leagues Cup trophy. The MLS journey ended in shock fashion against the New York Red Bulls in the playoffs.

The Uruguayan put up serious numbers in every competition he played in. He scored six goals in five Leagues Cup matches along with his 12 goals in MLS competition. Rossi averaged 0.41 xG per 90 and was quite efficient with his opportunities. He also passed at 86.6% accuracy, which is a fairly high number for a more attacking player. He lives in tight spaces and excels using small touches. He averaged 5.79 touches in the oppposition's box per 90 last season, showcasing his constant danger in the attacking areas. Rossi comes in at No. 27.

27) DIEGO ROSSI | MID, CLB | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

21 GOALS

0.41 xG PER 90 (85%)

86.6% PASS ACCURACY (88%)

5.79 TOUCHES IN OPPOSITION BOX PER 90 (85%)