Colorado Rapids: Cole Bassett is truly emerging as a top talent
By Daniel Garza
Cole Bassett of the Colorado Rapids is one of the top U-20 players in MLS
Homegrown players in Major League Soccer are continuing to excel as the 2020 season progresses. Colorado Rapids striker Cole Bassett is one of those players who has been a key contributor to his home club. The 19-year-old has scored three goals and registered three assists in eight MLS appearances so far this season. As a result, he is cementing himself as one of the top prospects MLS has to offer the soccer world.
Career-high numbers
Bassett has already set career-high numbers in 2020. He produced two goals and two assists during the 2019 campaign when he made 20 appearances for the Rapids. Already in just eight matches this year, he’s been able to better his combined goal and assist total from the previous season. This shows the amount of growth Bassett has made during his time in Colorado. Each year he’s scoring more and more.
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With over 10 matches remaining in the 2020 regular season, Bassett has more opportunities ahead to increase his goal and assist total. This could be his breakout year in the league if he can continue to produce for the Rapids.
He’s yet to make a playoff appearance but it looks like that will change this season. Bassett could be at the forefront of the Rapids reaching the postseason.
A European future ahead?
Reports have surfaced in the past regarding a possible transfer to Europe for Bassett. German club SC Freiburg was among those linked to the American forward. During 2019 he also spent time training with Arsenal’s U-23 side in England.
Although a contract with a Bundesliga or Premier Leauge club has yet to happen, there’s reason to believe it’s only a matter of time before it occurs. Bassett has to be one of the top U-20 prospects MLS has to offer right now.
If the FIFA U-20 World Cup goes on as scheduled in 2021, it could be the perfect opportunity for Bassett to showcase his skill to potential European clubs. The youth tournament is a great competition for young players to impress scouts. Bassett has already been impressive on the international stage for the United States with four goals in four appearances for the U-20 team. He will certainly be one to watch if the U.S successfully qualifies for the competition.
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Homegrown success
The MLS is beginning to have real success in developing players. Bassett has joined a growing number of young players who are already contributing to their club’s success. On the same night Bassett scored against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Griffin Yow of DC United scored a crucial match tying goal against Toronto FC to earn his club a point.
Yow is a 17-year-old forward for DC United. Then there are players such as Brenden Aaronson who appear destined to make the move to Europe in the coming months. The next generation of talent being developed by MLS clubs is shaping up to be a great one.