MLS: Top 5 Designated Player signings from 2020

Seatle Sounders' Joao Paulo Mior celebrates after scoring a goal against Olimpia during their CONCACAF Champions League match at Olimpico Metropolinato Stadium in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on February 20, 2020. (Photo by ORLANDO SIERRA / AFP) (Photo by ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP via Getty Images) /

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VANCOUVER, BC – FEBRUARY 29: Russell Teibert #31 of the Vancouver Whitecaps challenges Alan Pulido #9 of Sporting Kansas City during MLS soccer action at BC Place on February 29, 2020 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

1. Alan Pulido

Only one player has scored more goals in MLS this year than Alan Pulido. And make no mistake, the centre-forward, who smashed Sporting KC’s transfer record to the extent that he cost more than all their other signings in history combined, was brought to the club to score goals. Thus far, he has not disappointed.

But beyond just his goalscoring knack, which is sensational with superb movement off the ball and anticipation of where and when chances will occur, Pulido has offered much more to Sporting KC thus far, which only adds to his value as a number nine.

He has one assist, which was a lovely burst to the byline and cutback for Yadi Kinda, and also produced more individual pressures than any other player in the league. In fact, Pulido made 76 high presses in two matches. No other player has more than 60.

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Pulido has been the elite centre-forward that Peter Vermes and Sporting KC have needed for so long. It is not a coincidence that they have subsequently won both their matches, scored more goals than any other team bar one, and have the best goal difference. Pulido has revolutionised the team already.

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