MLS Multiplex
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Atlanta United: 2018 MLS season in review – Conquered

By Josh Bouland

ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta fans hold a copy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution announcing Atlanta's victory during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Atlanta fans hold a copy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution announcing Atlanta's victory during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 28: Josef Martinez (7) of Atlanta United and Miguel Almiron (10) of Atlanta United celebrate a goal during an MLS regular season game between the Montreal Impact and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga on April 28, 2018. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 28: Josef Martinez (7) of Atlanta United and Miguel Almiron (10) of Atlanta United celebrate a goal during an MLS regular season game between the Montreal Impact and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga on April 28, 2018. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Most Valuable Player

League MVP. MLS All-Star MVP. MLS Cup MVP. Who else would this team award go to? Josef Martinez set so many records this season and turned plenty of heads across the world. But he might not be the team’s most valuable player, despite being the league’s.

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Miguel Almiron could certainly make a case for being Atlanta’s MVP. And although Martinez won numerous MVP awards this season, he would be the first to say Almiron is the most important and most valuable player on the team. When Almiron missed the final three games of the season, the team looked like a shell of itself. Atlanta still found ways to win without Almiron, but the team was outscored 6-3 in the two and a half games they played without him.

Almiron is Atlanta’s engine and, without him, they’re a different team. How the team fares without him next season will be a strong indication of Almiron’s value to the team. All of the players know it, but fans might not fully understand just how valuable Almiron is.

With the January transfer window approaching, fans may get an idea of Almiron’s worth. Team president Darren Eales is looking for upwards of $30M for Almiron this offseason. Premier League teams have been attached to Almiron’s name since before Atlanta United acquired him and his value has only increased during his time in the city. If Almiron is sold for $30M or more, it would shatter the previous record for an outgoing MLS transfer, currently set at $18M.

Even with Martinez’s many accolades and awards, his teammate and friend Almiron was Atlanta’s most valuable player.

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