Welcome to CPL50, a series where we’ll reveal the top 50 players from the 2021 Canadian Premier League regular season, as voted on by a panel of coaches from all eight teams and media from OneSoccer and CanPL.ca.

For more information on the voting process and method, click here. 

Alberto Soto was well worth the wait for Atlético Ottawa and coach Mista, with the capital club’s mid-season addition emerging as one of the CPL’s best in 2021 and good enough for no. 26 in the CPL50.

The Atlético Madrid loanee arrived late in July as an unknown quantity – but the youngster turned out to be adequate reinforcement for an ailing Ottawa attack. A quick and nimble attacking midfielder with solid passing ability and quite a bit of flair, Soto quickly emerged as a leader in attack for Mista, who often slotted him in the heart of midfield.

Soto, who went on to record a league-leading nine big chances (according to Opta), constantly threatened to both create and score. His two goals of the season were QUITE impressive, too; a late equalizer against York United in August and this wonderful multiple-fake individual effort against Edmonton that was not only one of the best goals scored in that seven-goal thriller but of the entire CPL season.

Your @VWcanada Change Maker Moment of the Match is the newest nomination for Goal of the Year by @Albertoosoto10 pic.twitter.com/axuWezQOjc

— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) October 13, 2021

The 20-year-old is thoroughly deserving of this CPL50 nod as he returns to his parent club with an impressive inaugural pro season.

The rest of the CPL50 countdown is available here. Five more players will be revealed per day until December 22.