Evander Turns Portland Timbers into a Goal-Scoring Machine

We’re watching MLS grow, and sure, guys like Lionel Messi have definitely given it a big push. But what’s happening with Evander at the Portland Timbers? It’s honestly out of this world. The 26-year-old Brazilian, wearing the No. 10 for the Timbers, is having a video-game-worthy season in 2024: 12 goals and 15 assists in just 24 league games. That’s not normal.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Oh, but it's just MLS, right?" Okay, sure, MLS isn’t the Premier League or La Liga, but soccer’s growing fast here. And even if you want to downplay the level of competition, you’ve gotta admit: those numbers would stand out in any league. Evander’s ballin'. He’s not just scoring—he’s creating plays, setting up teammates for easy goals, and doing it all with the kind of chill that makes you think he’s playing a Sunday pick-up game with his buddies.

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If you check out the top players in MLS, Evander pops out in a pretty unique way. He’s not your typical No. 10 who just hangs out in the middle, waiting for the ball to come to him. He’s dynamic, covering the whole pitch, involved in the build-up, and when things get tight, he shows up to make it happen. He’s the ultimate playmaker—one who not only serves but also chips in with some goals for good measure. If that’s not the full package, then what is?

Let’s be real, finding a midfielder who can both put the ball in the net and dish it out to teammates with such flair isn’t common. Sure, we’ve got superstars like Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes in Europe, but Evander’s showing that, at least here in MLS, he’s just as crucial to his team. Now, I’m not saying he’s on the same technical level as those guys, but his influence on the Timbers? No doubt about it—he’s a game-changer.

How is Evander still in MLS? Don’t get me wrong, the league’s growing, and he’s having a killer season, but honestly, when you see a 26-year-old with this kind of talent, Europe should be taking notice. He’s had a stint with Denmark’s Midtjylland, but it seems like the bigger clubs haven’t caught on to what’s happening over here.

What Evander’s doing on MLS fields is on par with someone who could be playing in any of the big European leagues. So, here’s the real question: how long is he gonna stick around? The European transfer window is always wild, and with the way he’s playing, I wouldn’t be surprised if a Spanish or Italian club comes knocking soon.

Of course, there’s also the fact that not every Brazilian player wants to leave MLS. In recent years, we’ve seen guys choose to build their careers here. Maybe Evander’s thinking the same thing—maybe he wants to stick around and become a league legend. But if he’s looking to take that next big step, now’s the time. He’s at the peak of his game, both physically and technically. There’s no better moment to make the leap.

With numbers like these, the guy could end up as one of the league’s all-time greats. He’s got everything it takes to be that player fans look back on with love for years, just like Sebastian Giovinco at Toronto FC.

And, lastly, I think it’s fair to say that MLS deserves a little more respect. The league’s growth in recent years is undeniable, and guys like Evander are helping show that, yes, there’s quality soccer here. The problem is, a lot of people still see MLS as where older players come to wind down their careers. That’s slowly changing, but that stigma’s still there.

When a guy like Evander, young and in his prime, chooses to come to MLS and crushes it like he’s doing, it shifts the narrative. The future of soccer in the United States is bright, and with players of this caliber, who knows how far the league can go? In the meantime, let’s enjoy the show Portland Timbers’ No. 10 is putting on. Because, honestly, the dude’s on fire.