ROLE	Shadow Striker/Makeshift #10
SQUAD STATUS	Starter
KEY 2019 STATS	11 G, 4 A, 1.6 key passes/90
OVERALL GRADE	A-

Season in a Sentence

Diego Rubio’s transition from super-sub to starting frontman was rocky at the start, but the Chilean more than made up for it in the back half of the season.

Performance Review

Rubio only scored one goal in his first ten matches for the Rapids, but his form turned dramatically once the Burgundy Boys hit a stride under new management. Rubio notched ten goals and four assists in his final sixteen matches – most played as a Shadow Striker behind Kei Kamara.

The forward’s quickness and skill with the ball proved to be the perfect supplement to Kamara’s aerial dominance and hold up play in the final third. Once you consider his ability to consistently create chances, Rubio seems capable of providing everything the Rapids need in a forward.

Future Expectations

In advance of the 2019 season, Rubio signed a contract extension to 2022. While he’s likely to stay with in Colorado regardless, Rubio would still be wise to cut down on the diving in his sophomore effort with the Rapids (just a suggestion).

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Image Credit: Colorado Rapids