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MLS: Top 5 Designated Player groups

By Andrew Dowdeswell

KENNESAW, GA JULY 07: Atlanta's Josef Martinez (left) celebrates Gonzalo "Pity" Martínez's (right) goal during the US Open Cup match between Saint Louis FC and Atlanta United FC on July 10th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KENNESAW, GA JULY 07: Atlanta's Josef Martinez (left) celebrates Gonzalo "Pity" Martínez's (right) goal during the US Open Cup match between Saint Louis FC and Atlanta United FC on July 10th, 2019 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – MARCH 07: Alejandro Pozuelo #10 of Toronto FC dribbles the ball during the first half of an MLS game against New York City FC at BMO Field on March 07, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 07: Alejandro Pozuelo #10 of Toronto FC dribbles the ball during the first half of an MLS game against New York City FC at BMO Field on March 07, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

4. Toronto FC

Perhaps slightly ironically, Toronto FC restructured Michael Bradley’s contract such that he is no longer a Designed Player and slipped down this list as a result. The change in contract was still an excellent move from a team-building standpoint, though, and TFC still boast one of the best DP trios in the league.

Alejandro Pozuelo is outrageous, playing on a different plane to almost every other player in the league. He had 12 goals and seven assists last season. He already has one goal this year and came up big in the playoffs in 2019, scoring twice and adding three assists in only 390 minutes of action, oftentimes playing out of position as a false-nine.

Jozy Altidore is still present as a DP. When fit, he is an elite MLS centre-forward. And TFC added winger Pablo Piatti to the mix in the offseason. He has not featured yet due to injury and there are valid questions over the wisdom of his acquisition. However, he comes from Europe with quite the pedigree. If he can get fit, Toronto could fly further up this list.

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