Top 17 players to watchout for in MLS 2024

Published at :March 21, 2024 at 11:40 PM

Modified at :March 21, 2024 at 11:40 PM

MLS 2024 has attracted some big names

The Major League Soccer 2024 season is already underway with teams battling to improve on last year’s performance. Fans witnessed Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami last year, a phenomenal season for the franchise. MLS is experiencing rapid growth this year with top players moving to different clubs. MLS teams, however, can only retain a certain number of foreign players with the limit being three players. Inter Miami capitalize on this by signing Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Now, Let’s take a look at the top 17 designated MLS players worth watching in 2024:

17. Ryan Gauld- Vancouver Whitecaps

Ryan Gauld is in his third season at the club. The versatile midfielder played several roles during his time at the club. He has played a significant role in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ successes in the past seasons. Since signing for the club, he has made 99 appearances for the team scoring 26 goals. He has been one of the key performers in the team.

16. Sam Sturridge- Nashville SC

A former Nottingham Forest striker who spent most of his career in England, Nashville acquired him in the summer. In 19 appearances for the team, he has scored eight goals, making an excellent start to his Nashville career. Despite his short tenure, he has been an impressive player. He has made an electrifying start to this season, scoring three goals in four matches so far.

15. Jesus Ferreira- FC Dallas

The forward has already made 159 appearances for FC Dallas, making him a household name in the FC Dallas system. During this time, he has scored 50 goals for the team and earned himself the title of one of the team’s most important players. This season, he has scored one goal and set up another for his teammates in three appearances. He will certainly aim to make a strong start.

14. Victor Wanyama- CF Montreal

Having moved to the club from Tottenham Hotspur, Victor Wanyama has played for the club for a century. As a result of his presence in the team, the defence has become stronger. In total, he has made 120 appearances for the team, scoring five goals in the process. He is a touch-tackling physical midfielder who brings physicality to the team. His aerial presence helps the team win more balls in the air.

13. Carles Gil- New England Revolution

The Spanish International has been one of the marquee signings in the team since he moved from Deportivo La Coruna in 2019. He has made an astonishing 156 appearances for the team, scoring 39 goals. While comfortable playing both sides of midfield, he has mainly displayed his creativity and goals-scoring ability in the attacking midfield role. His creativity and ability to score have contributed to the success of the team. In his six appearances for the team so far, he has two goals and one assist.

12. Riqui Puig- LA Galaxy

Despite being dubbed the next big thing from Barcelona’s La Masia academy, Riqui Puig was deemed surplus to requirements. This led to his move to LA Galaxy, where he became one of the most exciting players in MLS. After signing in the summer window in 2022, he has played 50 matches for the team, scoring 14 goals from midfield. This term he has played four matches and scored two goals.

11. Luciano Acosta- FC Cincinnati

The experience of Lucian Acosta in the top flight has been a crucial factor in the team’s push for silverware this season. He has appeared on 117 occasions for the team and has scored 41 goals to date. As a central attacking midfielder, he has posed several problems to the opposition this season with his all-round play. In this season’s campaign, he has scored one goal and provided two assists, and he will be one to watch out for in FC Cincinnati’s title push.

10. Christian Benteke- DC United

The bulk of Christian Benteke’s career has been spent playing for English top flight sides Crystal Palace, Liverpool, and Aston Villa. While at Aston Villa, he became one of the world’s most feared strikers. When he finished his time in Europe, DC United promoted him straight into the main eleven since signing for the club. He has scored 18 goals in 43 appearances. With a hat-trick against the New England Revolution in the opening match of the season, he has made a flying start this season.

9. Hector Herrera- Houston Dynamo

With his all-around performance in both halves, the Mexican international has become a key player for the team. Herrera is a complete midfielder who is adept at breaking up play and threading passes well for the team. Since joining the club, he has made 54 appearances and scored 6 goals. His goal for this season is to play a vital role in the team’s title pursuit.

8. Teemu Pukki- Minnesota United

Last season, Minnesota United signed Teemu Pukki from Norwich, who is at the end of his career but still playing well. With 12 goals in 23 appearances for the team, Teemu Pukki has been in impressive form. Having already scored 2 goals in the opening 4 matches, he will certainly be a player to watch in the long run as he has proved time and time again that he can contribute greatly to the team.

7. Emil Forsberg- New York Red Bulls

He has become one of the most recognizable players in Europe after making 325 appearances for RB Leipzig. During his time at the club, he scored 71 goals, including some memorable Champions League goals. His move to the Red Bull-owned team, New York Red Bulls, in January, will make him one to watch for, as he has already established himself as a key performer.

6. Xherdan Shaqiri- Chicago Fire

After playing for some of the best teams in Europe, Xherdan Shaqiri brings a great deal of experience to the team. After making the move from Lyon, Xherdan Shaqiri has been one of the key players in the team, demonstrating his excellent passing and shooting skills. He has scored 15 goals in 67 appearances.

5. Luis Muriel- Orlando City

With Luis Muriel developing as one of the best forwards in Europe, Orlando City have made a statement this season after signing him. Although he hasn’t opened the team account yet, he has shown confidence in the team. He will play an important role in Orlando City’s quest for silverware.

4. Cucho Hernandez- Columbus Crew

It has been an impressive career for Cucho Hernandez since he joined Columbus Crew in 2022. With 37 goals scored in 59 appearances for the team, he boasts a strong record of goal contribution for the team. Last season he had an outstanding season only missing out by a few goals on winning the Golden Boot. No doubt, he will play a significant role in the team in the future.

3. Georgios Giakoumakis- Atlanta United

The deadly striker has been an impressive signing for the club with his incredible goal-scoring ratio. So far, he has made 35 appearances for the team, scoring 22 goals. The forward has scored three goals this season, and he will be motivated to finish on a high note after missing out on the Golden Boot by a narrow margin. After having an incredible season last year, he is one forward to watch out for this season.

2. Lorenzo Insigne- Toronto FC

After developing himself as one of the top players in Europe with Napoli, the former Napoli player has been a valuable addition to the team. After making the move to Toronto FC in 2022, Lorenzo Insigne is slowly showing his form for the side, already netting two goals in four matches. It is no surprise that he will aim to have an outstanding campaign this season after scoring 13 goals in Toronto’s colours so far.

1. Lionel Messi- Inter Miami

After playing a crucial part in Inter Miami‘s League Cup victory last season, Lionel Messi has made a brilliant start to this season. With Luis Suarez joining the team, it looks like it will mount a serious title challenge in the coming seasons. He has scored five goals in five matches so far. Having been one of the standout players in the last decade, his all-round contribution to the team will be a huge boost for the team.

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