FRISCO, Texas – It is a stretch to project end-of-year statistics this early in the season. But just to humor the idea: FC Dallas winger Fabián Castillo (4 goals, 5 assists through 9 team games) is currently on track for a 15-goal, 15-assist campaign, with the potential for even more.
These kinds of numbers surely put Castillo in the MLS MVP conversation, especially considering his ability to create scoring opportunities seemingly at will. Last year’s MVP, Robbie Keane, who Dallas may see this Saturday when the LA Galaxy come to town (8:30pm ET, MLS LIVE), scored 19 times and assisted on 14 goals in 2014, while 2013 MVP Mike Magee scored 15 times and also logged four assists.
Given the chances he has consistently created and cashed in on this season, those numbers are well within reach for Castillo. But the young Colombian’s goals are bigger than just individual awards.
“My real goal is to be a champion with this team,” Castillo told MLSSoccer.com through a translator. “I’m honored to be considered an MVP candidate. It’s a pleasure. But it would be more beautiful to be a champion with this team.”
Already in his fifth season with FC Dallas despite being just shy of his 23rd birthday, Castillo’s game has reached a different level since FCD coach Oscar Pareja took the helm last year. In Castillo's three seasons prior to Pareja's arrival, he never totaled double-digit goals or assists in a single season.
Fast forward to today, and double digits in both goals and assists is almost expected for the young winger.
“The coaching staff has been telling him if he wants to take his game to the next level, it needs to be like both-way players, like anybody else in the world,” Pareja told MLSsoccer.com. “We used comparisons with players that are on the best teams in the world and are working defensively, and being a team player first is crucial for his development. And I think he is embracing it.”
One factor that could play a big role in Castillo’s success going forward is the health of fellow midfielder Mauro Diaz. Although Castillo has made plenty of highlight-reel-worthy plays himself, his aggression seems to be tied to Díaz’s availability.
In the first three games of a four-game stretch that Díaz (pictured at right) sat out this season due to injury, Castillo was a shell of himself, totaling only four shots, with none of them on goal.
“There’s definitely a connection with Mauro. Playing with Mauro makes things really easy,” Castillo said. “Any player in the MLS would love to play with Mauro.”
But even though Castillo says his biggest goal is to win a championship with FCD, there is always a next step for any athlete in his career. For Castillo, it is that elusive national team call-up.
- Find more FCD news and notes at FCDallas.com
“It’s everyone’s dream to play on one’s national team,” said Castillo, who represented Colombia at the U-20 level in the 2011 South American Youth Championship but has never been called to the senior team. “I don’t lose hope, but that’s what every player works for.”
Pareja is well aware of what it takes to play for Los Cafeteros, having played in 11 games – with three goals – with the squad. But even though he says there are Colombian forwards all over the world playing well, the fact that Castillo has yet to get the call baffles him.
“It’s really a surprise for me from my standpoint, [because] I know the players in Colombia and the system and the national team and everything,” Pareja said. “It’s a surprise for me that he has not been called.”
Both Pareja and Castillo are confident that if the winger continues his current progression, the accolades and recognition will pour in.
