For many players in their rookie years, their goal is simply to stick in the league. Very few become a driving force for their club like Abu Danladi has for Minnesota United. In his first year with the team, the 22-year-old forward became an offensive powerhouse and a barometer for the club’s success.
As many rookies in MLS do, he made his debut as a second-half substitute a few matches into the season. It took seven appearances before Danladi earned his first start, which came in front of a national TV audience against Midwestern rivals Sporting Kansas City.