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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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SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 10: Raul Ruidiaz #9 of the Seattle Sounders FC takes a shot during a game between Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field on November 10, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – NOVEMBER 10: Raul Ruidiaz #9 of the Seattle Sounders FC takes a shot during a game between Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field on November 10, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

3. Seattle Sounders

The consistency of the Seattle Sounders is outrageous. Three MLS Cup appearances in four years, two MLS Cup victories, never failed to qualify for the playoffs. And much of their consistent brilliance has stemmed from the continuity of their star players.

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This season, Seattle added Joao Paulo to Raul Ruidiaz and Nicolas Lodeiro to complete their DP group. It is quite the trio that could carry Rave Green to another playoff berth and more. Even with the elite talent in the Western Conference, Seattle are as good as any, and these three are a crucial reason why.

Lodeiro is a Uruguayan international and has consistently been one of the best attacking midfielders in MLS, Ruidiaz has scored 22 goals in 38 regular-season matches, which is a superb strike-rate. He also has a ridiculous seven goals in six playoff matches, proving his big-game mentality.

Meanwhile, Joao Paulo has made an excellent start to life in Seattle. He scored on his debut, has proven most effective in a versatile central midfield role, and seems set to form quite the partnership with Cristian Roldan. On the back of these three, the Sounders look special once more.

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