Player Profile: Mauro Rosales

From obscure Trialist to fan favorite Mauro Rosales trusted the organization to pay him when they could and they certainly are. The fifth DP in Seattle Sounders history is fifth in the community rankings after a second straight year leading the club in assists.

What do you do when you have one of the best crossers in the League? You cross more, and cross more they did. It helped Rosales that he finally found a head for those high crosses. That head is yet to make the list.

Skills on offense: He's a great crosser of high balls and low. His short passing game is better than all but Montero, and if those two met in a skills competition the betting should be even. Strong finisher when he flashes into the six, but he does not have much of a long range shot. Strong dead ball service, but is moving from being the only man in set-play assist to situations, to just one of the options. Uses space and tactical awareness rather than speed to get open on the wings. Will occasionally dive into the middle emulating a CAM for a few moments of play.

Skills on defense: One of the weaker defenders on the team. Plays in a very high space and does not track back often, instead is an out let for a counter. This is also true when the Sounders are defending a set-piece. Has enough speed to cause some trouble when beaten by a fullback, but most MLS wide mids can get by him.

Best Case in 2013: Injuries will determine whether Mauro has a good 2013 or a great one. If healthy he will rack up assist numbers with the best of them. He is already 2nd in Assists over the last two years, if not for a multiple injuries he would be first and perchance be in the MVP conversation.