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

Carlos Vela: LAFC, Right Winger, 83 rated: Overrated

Carlos Vela sits atop of the MLS FIFA ratings at a lofty 83 now that the 85-rated Zlatan Ibrahimovic is back in Serie A. Just as Josef Martinez is a force of nature in the Eastern Conference, Carlos Vela has been ridiculously productive in the West. All MLS fans are acutely aware of the danger Vela possesses in attack, whether he’s scoring or setting up goals for LAFC or racking up points in MLS Fantasy.

However, it is tricky to decide what top ranking is reasonable for a good but not great league in Major League Soccer. One angle to consider is international football. Vela is also the highest-rated Mexican player in the game, perhaps a title more fitting for Hirving Lozano or Raul Jimenez. Maybe, then, 83 is a little bold.

Another reason for Vela’s rating to be lower is the group of other right-wingers that are 82-83 rated. Florian Thauvin of Marseille is 83, Lozano, Willian and Pedro (both Chelsea), Xherdan Shaqiri (Liverpool), and Karim Bellarabi (Bayer Leverkusen) are all also in that range. While all of these players have had their struggles in recent years, they are still contributing in a top-five European league. Furthermore, both Vela and Martinez are similarly terrific players. Separating the two by two marks seems a little harsh. And so, Vela, ever so slightly, is overrated.

Let us know which ratings you agree or disagree with in the comments!