MLS: Top 25 current players in Major League Soccer

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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) /

Forwards

Eight forwards made this list, including the top two current players in the league. Bradley Wright-Phillips lands on this list despite a poor, injury-hampered 2019. However, his resume is too impressive not to include on the list. Until 2018, he held the record for goals scored in a single season and was a crucial part of the New York Red Bulls’ success in the last handful of years.

Kei Kamara and Chris Wondolowski also made the list despite being in the twilight of their MLS careers. Kamara is third on the all-time scoring list in MLS and despite hopping around between eight teams, while Wondolowski is in his final season in the league and holds the record for most goals in MLS history, passing Landon Donovan just last season. Since 2010, he has scored at least 10 goals in a season every season.

Jordan Morris, Jozy Altidore, and Raul Ruidiaz comprise of the next three forwards on the list. After tearing his ACL in the CCL and missing all of the 2018 season, Morris came roaring back in 2019, reinventing his game on the left-wing and capturing the MLS Comeback Player of the Year award. Altidore is one of the best players in North America, although constant injuries have held him back. Like Bradley, he was instrumental in turning Toronto into a perennial contender and a key part of their treble-winning season in 2017. Finally, Ruidiaz made an impact in Seattle almost immediately after arriving midseason in 2018. He helped lead Seattle into the playoffs that fall and with multiple goals in the playoffs, played a crucial part in their MLS Cup-winning 2019 campaign.

Josef Martinez and Carlos Vela comprise the top two in the top 25 current MLS players. Martinez won league MVP in 2018, setting a record with 31 goals in a single season. He led Atlanta United to MLS Cup that year, collecting MLS Cup MVP and All-Star Game MVP honors that season. He is the heart and soul of one of the league’s most prominent franchises and can single-handedly win games.

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Vela gets the slight edge at number one, however. Vela put together the best individual performance in league history, breaking Martinez’s record with 34 goals in a single season, along with 15 assists. He is currently the best player in North America and can beat teams on his own, whether through scoring on his own or assisting a teammate.

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