MLS: Biggest stars in FIFA 20: Overrated or underrated?

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 24: Atlanta's Josef Martinez (7) moves with the ball during the MLS playoff match between Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United FC on October 24th, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – MAY 29: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United celebrates after scoring his first goal of the game during the second half of the game between Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Josef Martinez: Atlanta United, Striker, 81 rated: Underrated

Josef Martinez has simply set MLS on fire with his goalscoring record. These performances, like most in a league outside of the traditional powers, draw a mix of praise and critique.

The most common question asked of Martinez is ‘could he do this in Europe?’ His last outing with Torino wasn’t quite as clinical or entertaining, but a player can gain form and momentum in any league at any given time.

MLS is a league of growing stature and reputation, however. Scoring goals in this league does take effort and skill. Other greats have come here and not done as well as Martinez has. The Venezuelan striker should have a rating closer to Vela’s and on par with Marko Arnautovic (Shanghai SIPG), Kevin Volland (Bayer Leverkusen), and Mario Balotelli (Brescia) which would be 82.

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