2017 Dossier: Luis Silva

Player name: Luis Silva

Position: Midfield mostly, wide forward sometimes

Last club: Tigres UANL, Liga MX

One thing you need to know

He had a stellar year in 2014 with DC United where he scored eleven goals and notched four assists over twenty-seven appearances and twenty-two starts. Then he suffered an injury and fell out of favor. He was traded to RSL in 2015 for Álvaro Saborío, but came to us convalescent and never had the opportunity to prove his worth before moving on to Tigres.

What he brings to the team

Versatility and potential. He’s been one of the stronger, more consistent players in preseason; of course, preseason form doesn’t necessarily translate to season form, but there’s a lot here to be excited about. He can play as a wide forward, he can play as an attacking midfielder, he’s even had his chances as a holding midfielder. His play is sharp and, at twenty-eight, he brings experience and vision. If he is healthy—and remains that way—there’s a real chance that we see a lot of him this year.

He’s shown that he knows the game and can contribute. He’s had some excellent seasons. He and Plata know each other from a season together at Toronto FC, so there’s something to build upon, perhaps. Before he departed for Tigres there was speculation about him possibly being heir to the attacking midfield role once Javi moved on to coach our youth development program. You know. Speculation. The skill is there, so we’ll see how he develops.

Why you should be excited

Silva has experience in MLS and knows what he needs to do to be successful in this league. He was also with a title-winning Tigres team, so he has been part of a winning organization. Will this translate to RSL? That, my friends, is the hope. If he plays as well as he is able, if he puts in what he has shown he is capable of, and if he remains healthy, we have a solid asset on our squad.

Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

He has the talent to really be a driving, positive force for RSL. We can assume that he’s not currently a starter. Does he have the potential to push his way in? Perhaps. The better he shows, the more it will spur the players above him in the depth chart to continue producing. He has a chance to insert himself as a leader and guide the young players on the team. He’s still young enough to have years of contribution ahead. I was excited when we got him the first go-round and I was disappointed when he left. I think he has some solid contributions to make.

Predictions for 2017

• Silva becomes the go-to substitute
• He develops into our off-the-bench impact player who fans clamor for
• He’s a starter when attacking players are out with injuries or suspensions
• By the end of the season he’ll have four to eight aggregate goals and assists