MLS: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Carlos Vela MVP battle best in history

A single city, Los Angeles, holds two of the MLS’ biggest stars, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Carlos Vela. Is this the best MVP battle in league history?

The rivalry between Los Angeles FC and the Los Angeles Galaxy could reach another level this season as the two clubs hold two of the league’s top players within their ranks. Carlos Vela and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have gotten off to tremendous starts in 2019 and are early frontrunners to be crowned Major League Soccer’s Most Valuable Player.

When looking at both player’s resumes, it is easy to see how they ended up here. Both were proven goal scorers during their time in Europe and have translated their success to MLS.

Entering this next week of the season, Vela leads all players in MLS with 10 goals and Ibrahimovic follows closely with seven. Crucially, though, Vela also has five assists, which is tied for the most in the league.

As the season continues, expect these two players to finish with incredible numbers. Vela appears to be in masterclass form and is as consistent as ever. Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, despite picking up an early-season injury, has shown no signs of trouble in his form. This has all the makings of an incredible MVP battle.

Moreover, with LAFC and the LA Galaxy sitting in first and second place in the Western Conference, this season could be a continuous battle for supremacy in LA and MLS as a whole. Throw in the early fact that the Eastern Conference has not been able to keep pace with the West at this early stage, and there may be a race for the Supporters’ Shield here as well.

More from MLS Multiplex

• Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
• Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
• USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
• De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
• Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States

Both players will be pressured to deliver for their respective sides when the season enters its toughest stages. That result, just like their individual performances, will be another evaluation on who deserves the title of MVP.

The excitement Vela and Ibrahimovic bring to the pitch week in and week out is something special that brings the MLS to the center stage in world football. To have both of these players in top form is not only good for the clubs and city they represent but also for the history of the league. What could unfold in the months to come might well be something special. This may turn into a weekly battle of who can outdo the other. Both players are headed down the path of being considered two of the best to ever play in the league, and they can add to their legacy by producing an enticing MVP this season.

At the moment, this appears to be a huge storyline developing throughout the year. So when LAFC and the Galaxy meet for the first time this season, all eyes will be on Vela and Ibrahimovic. Let’s hope this MVP race lives up to the potential excitement it has.