Luis Gil

RSL's young playmaker is a wizard with the ball at his feet. He's learning to turn that vision into production.

Fvt_gilluis_isi_mlsdb03102012120_qlead David Bernal/isiphotos.com

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?

I was about four years old when I scored my first goal in an indoor soccer league.

WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?

Ronaldinho.

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.

It was an amazing opportunity and it just felt right. From then on I knew what I wanted to strive for, and that's to represent my country in the best way possible.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?

I would have to say their technique on the ball. By that I mean their control and passing of the ball.

WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?

A player who is selfish and negative on the field.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?

For me, it’s about being a very simple player. I try not to complicate myself or my teammates. I try to never overdo something.

WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?

Being more aggressive in the final third of the field. Taking on players 1v1 and taking more shots.

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?

My dad. Even though he was a little tough on me when I was younger, it was all for the best. He still gives me advice after he watches my games. He coached me throughout my childhood, so most of how I play was because of him.

WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?

One of them would have to be Paulo Jr. 

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?

Having the opportunity to play in the U-17 World Cup.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?

I don't think I really have a real disappointment. I always try to turn failures into positives.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?

To be patient. It might not sound like a real lesson, but it's a part of the game for me in both my overall development as a player and in me trying not to rush through things on the field.

WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?

The whole Real Salt Lake team. They all have something special to bring to this team and they all want to be team players. They make themselves and the team better.

WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?

I believe every team is tough to play. You never know how a team is going to come out and play that day, so I can never get too comfortable with an opponent.

IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

I would love to open up a restaurant. I love food.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?

Giving everything you have. You never know how great you can be until you give it your all.

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