Magnificent Level of Stars
The best current MLS soccer players lead the charge as some of the most iconic stars in North American soccer history. These talented soccer players have led their respective teams to championships with some of the country’s biggest football clubs, winning numerous awards and becoming fan favorites worldwide. If you were putting together the ultimate MLS dream team and had your pick of today’s elite players, these would be your first choices. These types of players make predictions for MLS games slightly easier to guess as they are usually on the winning team.
But who are the best players in Major League Soccer in 2022? That is a difficult question to answer given the league’s recent influx of high-profile stars. Still, there’s no harm in compiling a list of the top MLS players for entertainment purposes, right? Over the years, Major League Soccer has produced a slew of genuine superstars. Today, however, we’ll look at the best MLS players in 2022. So, without further ado, let’s get this show going!
Thiago Almada
The 20-year-old Argentine starlet was hired for his creativity. The former Velez Sarsfield midfielder was sought after in the final third for his skill, first touch, and inventive dribbling. I like how he can dribble well and accept contact from opposing players. Almada’s speed and purpose on the ball should excite Atlanta United supporters. He attacks opposing backlines like former Atlanta attacking legend Miguel Almiron. He shows no hesitation in entering the final third, and with that incisiveness, defenses will find it difficult to recover and set up. He is selfless by nature but can be ruthless if necessary.
Josef Martinez
Last season, Martinez took a significant step back. Despite this, he managed to finish with double-digit goals. Nonetheless, Atlanta United’s attack is not what it once was, demonstrating that it takes more than one superstar to make the team tick. Martinez remains one of the league’s most dangerous players, if not the most dangerous. However, he requires assistance upfront, which is why the club has recently spent heavily on Thiago Almada and Luiz Araujo. Almada is a player to watch in the future. Still, Araujo has already demonstrated his abilities, taking only a few games to find his MLS footing before delivering four goals and three assists down the stretch last season.
Walker Zimmerman
The significance of Walker Zimmerman to Nashville SC cannot be overstated. You only need to ask LAFC. After trading defensive stalwart Walker Zimmerman to Nashville, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) suffered a significant drop in the 2019 regular season. Despite playing in 34 games in 2019, LAFC allowed 37 goals while winning the Western Conference. In 2020, they allowed 39 goals in only 21 games, a significant increase. At 28, Zimmerman has established himself as one of the league’s top players, making him a valuable asset.
Javier Hernández
Javier Hernández, also known as Chicharito, has played for some of Europe’s most recognizable clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and West Ham United. Before joining MLS, American soccer fans had known him for his international career with the Mexico national team. Since making his senior team debut in 2009, Hernández has scored 52 goals for Mexico, the most for any Mexico International. In addition, the Mexican striker won the Gold Cup in 2011 and has appeared in three World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2018).
Xherdan Shaqiri
Shaqiri arrived in the United States after a stellar career in European football, and his signing represents a significant coup for MLS. The signing of a two-time UEFA Champions League winner, one of Switzerland’s most talented players, is hugely exciting for Chicago Fire fans.
Major League Soccer has become a more competitive league and is no longer the retirement home it once was, but there are still several players who have left Europe to play out their final years in US cities. MLS now offers players the opportunity to play at a significantly higher level than it once did and to work within some impressively run football clubs amongst some of the game’s best up-and-coming youngsters.
