Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 49. Joseph Rosales

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Joseph Rosales had a fantastic season in 2024 and was among the most underrated players of the entire season. He may not have garnered a ton of attention, but Minnesota fans know how great of an impact he had on their team. He assisted 11 goals from his left back position and starred on both sides of the ball. Minnesota qualified for the playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, conceding just 49 goals. Rosales was a crucial piece of that backline and carved himself out a significant role in the 58 goals for as well. He had an absolute nightmare first five matches with two red cards, but it's about how you finish.

The incredible run began at the end of April, when Rosales sent a driven ball to Tani Oluwaseyi at the back post. He completed a four-game streak of assisting goals on a setup for Robin Lod. The Loons earned 10 points in those four games, with Rosales perhaps being the best player on the pitch in all of them. He found Bongokuhle Hlongwane in the box with an incredible left-footed cross during a win over San Jose. Rosales scored his one and only goal of the campaign in the most important win of the season. He used that magical left foot of his to simply place the ball in the bottom right corner and Minny advanced over Real Salt Lake in the playoffs. The run came to an end at the hands of the eventual champions.

Rosales had some of the best stats of any fullback in the league in 2024. His 11 assists on around two chances created and two successful crosses per 90 is one thing. Those numbers prove just how effective he was going forward, but his defensive presence was just as striking. He recovered over eight balls per match, which lands him in the 98th percentile. He also wins six duels per 90 and intercepts just under two balls. On the ball, he averages 1.89 sucessful dribbles a game as well. Rosales was phenomenal last season and will look to recreate it in 2025. Rosales comes in at No. 49.

49) JOSEPH ROSALES | DEF, MIN | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

11 ASSISTS

2.12 CHANCES CREATED PER 90 (96%)

1.99 SUCCESSFUL CROSSES PER 90 (96%)

8.22 RECOVERIES PER 90 (98%)