This week, MLSSoccer.com is releasing it’s rankings of the 24 best players under the age of 23. They are releasing the rankings day by day, with the top five spots being revealed on Thursday. In Monday’s release, Tommy Redding and Cristian Higuita were listed at #23 and #21, respectively.
The rankings take into account many different aspects of a player, including their potential, personality, physical attributes, technical skills, and soccer IQ. A panel that includes members of the soccer media and the MLSSoccer.com editorial staff decides the rankings.
“It felt really good obviously,” Defender Tommy Redding said after training. “It’s a big accomplishment for me. This is the first year I was able to actually get some games and get a rhythm going. So, to be put in the 24 Under 24 is really important to me because it shows that I’m doing well but at the same time I look at it as, I still need to improve and hopefully someday I can get the #1 spot.”
Midfielder Cristian Higuita has been out with an injury since Orlando City’s 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire in mid-August. He has been traveling with the team and working towards recovery, and for him, this honor is just another boost in his motivation to return.
“I’m very happy,” Higuita said. “Obviously I work very hard to achieve big things and be successful. And this was very important for me. Right now, I’m recovering to help the team. And I’m always looking to see the team win, so that’s what I’m working at right now. And I’m not only working for my individual achievements, but for the team.”
“And right now, my focus is just recovering, continuing that recovery process,,” Higuita continued. “The coaching staff has been very supportive, my teammates as well. My focus right now is on recovering so I can contribute.”
Orlando City had five players listed under the fifty eligible for the 24 Under 24 honor, including Redding, Higuita, Cyle Larin, Carlos Rivas, and Rafael Ramos. The team’s overwhelming presence suggests a positive environment for new players to grow.
“I think it shows that we’re doing things right here for our young players and all of us are developing,” Redding said. “Different speeds, but at the same point we’re all developing, we’re all getting better. It looks really good for the club.
