MLS is Back: Top 3 curveball MVP candidates
2. Carles Gil
In his first season MLS, New England Revolution playmaker Carles Gil produced a very encouraging individual campaign, one that suggests that he can be an elite attacking midfielder in MLS this season and beyond.
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In the heart of the Revolution attack, Gil started brightly, scoring three goals in his first 540 minutes of action. Once Bruce Arena arrived as head coach and the prolific Gustavo Bou added another elite-level offensive weapon to the team, Gil’s quality rose to the fore. By the end of the season, he ended with 10 goals and 12 assists.
Only Michael Barrios of FC Dallas had more assists, 13, while Carlos Vela was the only other player to provide double-digits in goals and assists. His 0.65 goals and assists per 90 minutes rank 20th in the entire league, excluding those of a small sample size.
Gil missed the start of the season, but the Revolution added Adam Buksa in the offseason. He scored his first goal of his MLS career and looks like a prolific, sharp centre-forward who can partner Bou in the final third. With such weapons around him, the creative Gil might just flourish.