1. Walker Zimmerman
One of the more obvious choices, it probably surprised even Walker Zimmerman himself when the 2019 Supporters’ Shield-winning LAFC swapped him over to the east coast just under two weeks before the season started.
Nevertheless, despite the shocking and late transfer, that hasn’t stunted his performance at all, proving that he has the same quality as last season. In fact, despite being a center-back, Zimmerman scored Nashville SC’s only goal in MLS thus far as the expansion side opened up their home account versus Atlanta United on a raucous Saturday night.
As a player with 12 caps for the USMNT and an MLS Best-XI player last season, Nashville is getting Zimmerman at the peak of his career. But can Zimmerman control his natural eager and aggressive defensive instincts?
He has all the tools to be an elite MLS defender, but consistency and control are required. If he reaches his highest level, Nashville SC will form an excellent defense indeed.