MLS is Back: The top 3 contenders to LAFC dominance

2. Philadelphia Union

While Diego Rossi, Brian Rodriguez and Bradley Wright-Phillips have dominated the headlines as one of the best front threes in MLS, where LAFC truly dominate is in central midfield.

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

Eduard Atuesta, Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Latif Blessing form the best midfield trio in the league. They have control and quality in possession, an intensely physical and athletic press, and the ability to entirely suffocate their opponents as they dominate the middle third of the pitch. Competing with this midfield trio and not allowing them to dictate matches is crucial.

The Philadelphia Union, then, have a better chance as any to win the midfield battle. Their four-man midfield, which forms a diamond, allows them to compact central spaces and force the ball to the opposing full-backs. For LAFC, their full-backs are the weakness of their team and will not cause many problems in an offensive sense.

The Union’s quartet in midfield, led by Brenden Aaronson at the tip of the diamond and with new signing Jose Martinez at the base has a nice blend of physicality, grace, control, and athleticism. It is the best midfield unit in MLS that might be able to compete with LAFC’s glittering trio.