Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 28. Luca Orellano

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Luca Orellano joined FC Cincinnati as a sort of Alvaro Barreal replacement and ended up being an even greater contributor. He has joined Cincy on a permanent basis and will look to continue his magic with Barreal departing for Santos on loan. Orellano played the wingback role that the club saw for him and also got a few looks in more advanced spots. Regardless, he is going to get forward and contribute to the attack no matter where the manager puts him. He scored 11 goals in 2024 and nearly all of them were breathtaking finishes, he is absolutely one for the highlight reel.

It took a little while for Orellano to settle in, but he scored his first MLS goal during an away win over Atlanta. He registered a brace against Toronto FC in a dramatic 4-3 May win. He got hot at the beginning of summer and assisted a pair during the 6-1 statement beatdown of Inter Miami. He registered another brace in a 4-1 win over Montreal at the end of the summer. Orellano helped guide his team to the playoffs and scored a goal during the series against NYCFC. Ultimately, the season came to a screeching halt in penalties after a rough conclusion to the season.

The Argentine wingback is set for another spectacular season in 2025, but his role is still up in the air for now. Luciano Acosta is expected to leave the club and that will leave a massive void in Cincy's attack. Orellano could fill that role, or he may stay out wide depending on the pickups that the front office make. He completed 2.5 successful dribbles per 90 last season and created just under two chances per match. He also won possession 0.62 times in the final third per 90, showing how much time he spends in the opposing team's end and how active he is. Orellano comes in at No. 28.

28) LUCA ORELLANO | DEF, FCC | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

11 GOALS

2.5 SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES PER 90 (97%)

0.62 POSSESSION WON FINAL THIRD PER 90 (95%)

1.88 CHANCES CREATED PER 90 (92%)