MLS: Carlos Vela vs. Raul Jimenez debate shows how far league has to go
On Cinco de Mayo, ESPN FC debated who is the greatest Mexican player, Carlos Vela and Raul Jimenez. The debate shows just how far MLS has to go.
Major League Soccer is attempting to be a globally competitive league. That is the aim of all leagues, especially those that are growing at the rate MLS is. And while there is growing excitement for what the league can become, with Thierry Henry last week saying that there are ‘no limits’ to its potential, sometimes, a reality check is required.
On Cinco de Mayo, that reality check was handed down thanks to ESPN FC and their debate of the greatest Mexican player currently playing. They whittled the choices down to two players: MLS MVP Carlos Vela and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
After a little jostling regarding the question as Vela has repeatedly ruled himself out of the Mexican player pool despite clearly being one of the premier options for El Tri and having only just turned 31 years old in March, Herculez Gomez and Alejandro Moreno gave their opinion, the former landing on Vela.
“Carlos Vela is the most talented Mexican player,” Herc Gomez said. “Raul Jimenez is proven at a very good level, but if you’re talking about just overall talent and who you would rather have right now, I take Carlos Vela ten times out of ten.”
Now, Vela’s performances in MLS have been startling. 34 goals and ten assists in 2019 led to the greatest individual season in league history. He broke Josef Martinez’ single-season scoring record and ranked sixth in assists, which is perhaps even more impressive when allied with his goalscoring exploits. But the quality of competition has to be factored into the equation.
Jimenez’s numbers are not as impressive as Vela’s. He has 13 goals in each of the past two Premier League season. He also provided eight assists last year and six this year, an illustration of how complete a centre-forward he is. Across the two years, he has played 621 Europa League minutes. He has an outrageous nine goals and four assists, yielding a direct involvement in a goal every 47.8 minutes. But they still pain the picture of an extremely productive striker and, crucially, they come at a much higher level for a worse team.
Where LAFC are setting and equalling records for points earned, goal difference, and goals scored, Wolves are perhaps the sixth or seventh-best team in the most competitive, highest-standard league in world football. What Vela has done in MLS is sensational, and when allied with his La Liga success earlier in his career, shows how great a player he is. But to put his achievements up against a striker in the Premier League helps illustrate just how far the league has to go.
Next. MLS: Carlos Vela, Josef Martinez historically great. dark
MLS is a growing, flourishing league. And with every passing the season, the standard improves. It is on course to surpass Liga MX. A team will win the CONCACAF Champions League soon, and it could be Vela and LAFC this year if the schedule allows. But in comparison to European leagues, there is still a long way to go.