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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PORTLAND, OR – JULY 27: Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri salutes the fans after the Portland Timbers 4-0 victory over the LA Galaxy at Providence Park, on July 27, 2019, in Portland, OR (Photo by Diego G Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). /

Diego Valeri: Portland Timbers, Attacking Midfielder, 79 rated: Perfectly Rated

Having made his MLS debut in 2013, Diego Valeri is the longest-lasting player on this list. Valeri has an MLS Cup win in 2015 along with various individual honors to show for his excellence and creativity in attack that has made Portland at least a mid-tier threat in the Western Conference all these years.

He is 33 years old now, and while the Argentine may have reached his peak already, there hasn’t been a worrisome decline. On one hand, the 2019 MLS season was the first in four years where he only scored single-digit goals. On the other hand, Valeri scored two goals in two games this season and looks entirely sharp once more.

Valeri’s importance to the Timbers isn’t simply on the box score. The player comparisons made for Martinez and Lodeiro apply to Valeri, so 79 is a fair rating.

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