Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 8. Gabriel Pec

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Gabriel Pec won 2024 MLS Newcomer of the Year following an absolute gem of a debut season for LA Galaxy. The $10m club-record transfer fee was well worth it for the production and MLS Cup they got out of the young Brazilian winger. He scored 19 goals over the course of the season and was a constant threat down the wing. With Riqui Puig pulling the strings and Pec paired with Joseph Paintsil on the wings, there was never really a chance for anyone else to hoist the trophy last season. Pec's talent was evident, but his numbers with Vasco da Gama did not jump off the page. That changed in 2024 when he was one of the top goal creators in Major League Soccer.

The marquee signing did not start from the jump and took a little bit of time to settle in. He scored his first goal four minutes into a match against the Seattle Sounders, a match-winner in a 1-0 win. He trickled a few goals and assists throughout May before really turning it on. He scored and assisted two in a victory over Sporting Kansas City. He also scored in El Trafico, though LAFC won that edition. A brace and a 90th minute winner against Minnesota United marked his first multi-goal game. He assisted two more against Colorado and played an extremely consistent Leagues Cup. He closed the season out with a goal in each of the last five games, along with three assists. He terrorized the Rapids in the first round of the playoffs with a goal and a hat trick of assists, then beat the Loons with two more goals. The Galaxy marched onto MLS Cup and defeated the Red Bulls 2-1 in the title-decider.

The 24-year-old was simply phenomenal and could have teams lining up for a move sooner rather than later. He scored 0.54 goals per 90 from his position on the flank. He loves to cut onto his always dangerous left foot, but isn't afraid to beat defenders for speed and get to the endline either. He averaged just under two shots per 90. The most telling number is his 7.31 touches inside the opposition's box per 90. Wingers usually spend most of their time out on the edges of the field, spacing the pitch and looking for space. He did that and more, as he consistently snuck into the box and helped create for Dejan Joveljic. The Galaxy had to make a few salary cap moves, but their star winger remains at the club and is prepared for another monster season. Gabriel Pec comes in at No. 8.

8) GABRIEL PEC | FWD, LA | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

19 GOALS

0.54 GOALS PER 90 (93%)

1.98 SHOTS ON TARGET PER 90 (97%)

7.31 TOUCHES IN OPPOSITION BOX PER 90 (93%)