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. A big stage for any player.
Twenty-two minutes in, Danladi showed the nation what he was capable of. A perfectly-weighted cross from Miguel Ibarra found him inside the box for a powerful finish into the bottom corner. The goal was Danladi’s first in MLS and his first match-winner as well, securing three points for the Loons in the 2-0 win. He would go on to notch eight goals total and three more match-winners.
It also started a trend for the young Ghanaian. Every match that Danladi scored in during 2017 ended in a Loons’ victory.
His seven matches with at least one goal made up a majority of Minnesota’s 10 wins. When Abu’s game was on, so was Minnesota’s. The striker had a knack for scoring in big moments to turn the tide of a match. Whether he was setting the tone early against SKC, netting a double in Chicago to earn the club’s first road win or scoring a massive late goal to stun Montreal, Danladi’s clutch performances have had a influence on the club.
Danladi’s versatility in attack gave him many opportunities throughout the season with many roles such as a winger, late-game sub up top or as the main striker when Christian Ramirez was recovering from injury. Being able to fit into so many positions gave Danladi lots of chances to impress Head Coach Adrian Heath and many others around the league.
As we look ahead to 2018, Danladi will likely be a prominent part of Heath’s plan next season and a key player to build the squad around. If he continues the form from his debut year, he will definitely give Loons fans plenty to cheer for next season.
