Questions about Escalada

Out of all the incoming additions to the Real Salt Lake roster Argentine striker Luis Escalada seems to be generating the most attention. And, rightfully so. As mentioned in our last post RSL has seen an exodus of forwards fleeing the mountains with little sign of replenishment from the team. That is until head coach Jason Kreis was seen in South America scouting Escalada.

Thanks to the always diligent coverage from the folks over at keepinitrealsoccer.com we've learned in the last week that Kreis was able to secure the talents of the 22-year-old striker.

From all accounts he sounds like a provent scoring threat. During 2006-2007, while playing in Ecuador, Escalada's stats show that he was a goal scoring machine. What concerns me a little is that when he was loaned out to teams in the Brazilian and Argentine leagues his goal scoring output dropped off dramatically. During his two years in Ecuador Escalada scored 45 goals, but while he hopped between clubs in 2008 he only mustered a pair for all of 2008.

So what happened? Were the Argentine and Brazilian leagues to much for him? Did he get hurt? He didn't exactly get a lot of opportunities at the varies clubs he spent time with last year. Maybe he didn't have enough time to settle in with the team. Was there something outside of soccer that was affecting his play? These are honest questions, as I don't read spanish very well.

While contemplating these questions enjoy this highlight reel of Escalada during his year at Club Sport Emelec. If my math is right, he is only 20 in these videos, and he's only 22 now. So, his youthfullness can be a very good thing.

What say you?