Diego Fagúndez gets his US citizenship

Fantastic news. A technical attacking player with pace. He'll be a nice addition to our player pool.

This is mlssoccer.com's analysis after naming him the fifth best MLS player under 24.

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5. Diego Fagundez
Pos: M/F | New England Revolution | Age: 18

The young Uruguayan may have the most potential of anyone on this list. Still, at the tender age of 18, Fagundez has already shown his knack for scoring and setting up goals. He is technical and creative, and really came into his own this year, scoring 10 goals and assisting on six others in matches for the New England Revolution. That type of production might be impressive, but it should only grow in the coming years. Fagundez has all the tools to meet those lofty expectations, which makes tracking his development over the next few years all the more interesting.

What TDs and coaches like: "Very brave. For a guy that’s not physically as gifted as others, he’s very brave, and I mean that in a physical sense and trying to do things on the field that others may not try to do. ... He’s always trying to do something positive. His movement is usually going forward. Technically he’s very good. ... I think we’ve seen Diego become a very optimistic goalscorer. He’s dangerous right now. He’s finding little seams and spaces to really be an effective attacking player. ... He’s smart enough that he doesn’t try stuff in bad areas of the field. He’s a smart player for as young as he is. I think he has a good grasp of the game and what’s required of him. ... He’s been a pleasant surprise to me. I questioned whether he could physically cut it, and I think he’s done that. ... He’s going to get physically stronger and he’s still 18. Give him three, four years."

Where TDs and coaches want improvement: "He needs to see if he can keep doing it over time. Does he keep getting better? Is he not a one-hit wonder? The standards are going to get raised and the expectations will get higher now. Does he keep beating those or does he plateau out? ... He’s 18; he’s not getting any bigger. He’ll get stronger and faster, though. He’s one of those guys and he fits well with the way New England plays. ... He can still be a little more tuned in on the defensive side of things. If he gets that right, he’s going to be a top player in this league.”

Opta Says: Diego Fagundez has averaged 0.6 goals per game during the 2013 season, more than any other player eligible for 24 Under 24.

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Just to be clear, since he played for Uruguay's U-20, he still has to file his one-time switch through FIFA which he hasn't done yet.

But, the fact that he has lived in the States since he was 5 and worked for his citizenship is a good sign.

He got his green card right? Doesn't that mean he has another 5 years until he can get citizenship?

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Can someone give us the lowdown on him? Not that familiar with him. Potential Brazil 2014 player? 2016? Higher ceiling than Aron?

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I'd say he's a next cycle player. He's not so wildly talented that he offers more than most others projected for the roster today.

My concern for Fagundez is that he doesn't continue to mature physically. You can see in the mlssoccer quote above "...he won't get any bigger, but he'll certainly get stronger and faster." That's a pretty big leap, IMO. Freddy is still the same size and speed he was 5-7 years ago, and his development stalled. Hopefully, that doesn't happen here.

He's a treat to watch right now, though. Reminds me a lot of Mauro Rosales with the Sounders.

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Adu's development stopped because he wasn't playing.

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And he because he just stopped trying. His head got huge.

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You could make a chicken/egg argument there, but okay.

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I agree, but he really should have been in an academy rather than playing professionally at age 15.

God dammit Broski get your facts straight.