10. Bill Hamid
Pos: GK | D.C. United | Age: 23
Last Year in 24U24:#18
2014 Stats: Matches played: 25 | GAA: 1.24 | Shutouts: 8
Castrol Index (as of 9/24/14): #8
What a difference a year makes. That’s been the go-to cliche about United’s resurrection this season, and it probably fits Hamid -- the only player to make the "24 Under 24" ranking all five years -- more than anyone. A year after suffering 17 losses and posting a 1.56 goals-against average, the US international is now near the top of most goalkeeping statistical categories: 1st in save percentage, 2nd in shutouts, 4th in GAA (among keepers with at least 1500 minutes).
What the experts say: "He's been D.C.'s MVP this year. He's been great. For a few years now, he's been compared with Sean Johnson, and I think this year he's jumped ahead. He's a great shot stopper, and he's improved his consistency and his distribution. I'd easily put him up for Best XI. And he's only going to get better."
What Opta says: Ranks second among all goalkeepers in MLS with eight clean sheets. He also ranks second in saves made per 90 minutes (3.80).
- READ: Career on the Rise: Why it's finally going so right for Bill Hamid
- WATCH: MLS Insider: The Homegrown generation
- WATCH: Hamid's monster save on Golden Boot leader Wright-Phillips