Damir Kreilach Vouching For National Respect With MVP Caliber Season
Oct 19, 2021, 2:41 PM | Updated: 2:41 pm
Photo courtesy: Real Salt Lake Twitter
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake forward and midfielder Damir Kreilach is putting together a Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player caliber season.
The 32-year-old is tied for fourth in most goals scored having bagged 14 through his 26 games played. While he is also credited for 22 goal involvements which is tied for second-most in the league. Kreilach has also added eight assists to his name, further solidifying him as one of the league’s most prolific players.
Earlier this season, Kreilach was announced as an MLS All-Star and competed against a team filled with Liga MX All-Stars on August 21. The match went to penalties after being tied 1-1 through regular time and Kreilach’s opening penalty spot conversion aided the MLS All-Stars to victory.
5 GAMES IN A ROW SCORING
Damir Kreilach with his 14th goal on the year! #RSL pic.twitter.com/NktKbqSswK
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 17, 2021
Outside of the statistical data and the obvious impact Kreilach has had for Real Salt Lake, he also plays a pivotal role off the pitch. He is one of the most influential figures in the locker room for the club, he always has a smile on his face, he is beloved by all members of the organization, and acts as the glue to a currently very well-bonded playing group.
Despite all of the adversity that Real Salt Lake has faced over recent years, Kreilach has always remained strong. He is the ultimate professional, and an icon for soccer fans in Utah.
Kreilach’s impact for Real Salt Lake since his signing in 2018 is difficult to put into words. He is arguably one of the best players to have ever put on the Claret & Cobalt kit, he has popped up in the most timely of fashions, and will always be seen as a true Real Salt Lake hero.
Other names that are highly featured in the MVP conversation involve New England Revolution midfielder Carlos Gil who leads the league with 17 assists and Sporting Kansas City forward Dániel Sallói who has scored on 16 occasions and assisted on 8. Ola Kamara for D.C. United leads the league with 17 goals, one more than Sounders striker Raúl Ruidíaz and Sallói.
No player for Real Salt Lake has ever won the Landon Donovan MVP Award, if Kreilach can achieve the unimaginable he will become the first player in club history to do so.
