Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 56. Franco Escobar

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Franco Escobar was a crucial piece for the second-best defensive team in the Western Conference. The Houston Dynamo conceded just 39 goals on the season and were only hampered by its attacking shortcomings. Houston scored less goals than three out of the five teams that missed the playoffs in the West. This is proof that the Dynamo backline truly carried the club to a fifth-place finish. Escobar was a fixture at left back, making 26 appearances and excelling in both defense and attack. The Argentine scored and assisted two goals each in his sixth MLS season and second in orange.

In the 85th minute of a March matchup with San Jose, Escobar roofed the match-winner at the near post. The goal was quite similar to one he scored in a playoff match against the New England Revolution back in 2019, when he played for Atlanta United. Speaking of, Escobar sent a guided header into the back of the net inside his former home of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in June. He did not celebrate and put his hands together out of respect in front of the supporter's section. In Leagues Cup, Escobar set up Micael for a goal filled with class. He completed his revenge tour with an assist against his other former MLS squad in LAFC.

Escobar's 2024 numbers are among the best in his career. Only the best of the best can impact a game so much from the left back position on a game-to-game basis, but he is absolutely one of them. He completed 56.5 passes per 90 at a 89.8% accuracy, both are the very top echelon at his position. Escobar also is just under the 70% mark for accurate long balls, a ridiculous feat. He touched the ball 85 times a game and won 2.25 tackles each contest. Additionally, he won the vast majority of his duels at over six per 90 minutes. Escobar comes in at No. 56.

56) FRANCO ESCOBAR | DEF, HOU | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

69.2% LONG BALL ACCURACY (97%)

56.5 SUCCESSFUL PASSES PER 90 (98%)

2.25 TACKLES WON PER 90 (97%)

85.1 TOUCHES PER 90 (94%)