Real Salt Lake Vs Colorado Rapids: 3 things to watch for – Rocky Mountain clash
By Daniel Garza
2. The battle of the playmakers
The Colorado Rapids may have found a diamond in the rough with Younes Namli. A recent arrival in the offseason, the 26-year-old, on loan from FC Krasnodar, has been a key part of the Rapids’ early-season success.
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Namli picked up his first MLS goal against Orlando City. It should be the first of many. As an attacking midfielder, he is required to play off Kei Kamara, feed the Rapids attack, and also get into scoring positions himself. He could very well be the difference in getting the Rapids all three points.
In order to lead the Rapids to victory, he will have to outshine counterpart Albert Rusnak. Both players are Designated Players, meaning that their teams lean on their. Whoever has a bigger impact in this match could influence the outcome. This is perhaps the most intriguing position battle of this fixture.
Rusnak has been a big factor in RSL’s recent success in their meetings with the Rapids. He has three goals and three assists in his last five matches against Colorado. Namli could be the answer to help the Rapids counter RSL’s talented attacking player. Having been outscored 16 to 4 in the previous five matches against RSL, the Rapids need all the help they can get and Namli is their new shiny weapon.