Sebastian Giovinco is arguably the best player in MLS and after being snubbed from the MVP conversation, he proved why he should have been considered.
Despite having yet another outstanding season with Toronto FC, Sebastian Giovinco was snubbed from being in contention for the MLS MVP award this year. Bradley Wright-Phillips, David Villa, and Sacha Kljestan were named the three finalists. While they all had career years, the Atomic Ant’s MVP worthy season somehow went unnoticed by the media members, players, and club management.
Giovinco was the only player this season to be in the top-three in both goals scored and assists. Only him and Giovani dos Santos recorded double-digit goals and assists this season. That alone should have been enough to put him in the conversation. Instead, his 17 goals and 15 assists weren’t deemed good enough.
While Kljestan, Villa, and BWP all deserved to rival Giovinco for the Landon Donovan MVP award, their stats don’t stand up to those of Sebastian. First off, there shouldn’t be two MVP candidates from the same team. They don’t even know who the Most Valuable Player on the New York Red Bulls was yet those two players were nominated.
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Although playoff performances aren’t factored into the voting, Toronto FC is the only club from these four players to be in the Conference Championship round. And that is directly linked to the individual performance of Sebastian Giovinco. The Italy international scored a hat-trick that dismantled Villa and NYCFC in New York to close out the second leg of their semifinal match-up. It was only the fourth hat-trick in MLS Playoff history.
In the postseason, Giovinco recorded three goals and one assist in the semifinal round while Villa, Kljestan, and BWP all combined for zero. No goals and no assists in either leg of their match-ups. The Atomic Ant also recorded a goal and an assist in the knockout round.
Not only has his playoff performances proved that he should have been in the conversation for the MLS MVP award, they prove that he should have won. There is no better player in Major League Soccer today than Sebastian Giovinco. By comparing the regular season statistics as well, it is clear to see that Giovinco should have, at the very least been nominated, but also should have hoisted the individual award.
Giovinco – 28 Games, 17 Goals, 15 Assists,
BWP – 34 Games, 24 Goals, 5 Assists
Villa – 33 Games, 23 Goals, 4 Assists
Kljestan – 32 Games, 6 Goals, 20 Assists
In about five fewer games, Giovinco was able to put up arguably better numbers than his rivals. The five matches that Sebastian missed could have cost him some votes and recognition. There is no excuse as to why the 29-year old forward was left off of the finalist list.
No matter who wins the award this season, Sebastian Giovinco is the rightful owner of the trophy. He should have been named the first back-to-back Major League Soccer MVP. Maybe there was a bit of animosity towards the Italian from the media, players, and opposing teams voting because Seba is clearly the best, most talented, and most productive player in MLS.