Shocking MLS twist! Portland Timbers star outscores Messi in key stats

Already popular globally, MLS has given way to international focus with the addition of stars like Messi, Suárez, Giroud, and Marco Reus. The league's approach is crystal clear: all it needs is to establish itself amongst the big ones by acquiring some big names from the world of soccer. But with this constellation of stars, the player who is stealing the headlines with regards to goal contributions is not an international superstar, but one more unknown Brazilian to the rest of the world, and that is Evander of the Portland Timbers.

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Evander's Path to MLS Success

At 26, Evander is anything but a newcomer to soccer. Having spent four years with Denmark's Midtjylland, he joined the Portland Timbers early last year, still needing to prove his salt in American soccer. In a league that is bursting at the seams with superstars, Evander had to find a way, be bold, and use his perseverance and skill to rise and become one of the seasoned players with the Timbers.

His first season wasn't all he had hoped for. Even he admits that success didn't come right away. But 2023 has been a breakout year for the Brazilian. The growth on the field has been nothing short of incredible, and he now leads MLS in goal contributions, surpassing big names like Messi, Luciano Acosta, and Cristian Arango.

Dominator of the Stats

Today, Evander is leading with 33 direct goal contributions in 15 goals, with an impressive 18 assists. This, in just 25 games, has shown the consistency and importance he holds to the Timbers. Comparing that number internationally, superstars such as Messi, even playing fewer matches, have not kept pace with the Brazilian. Messi has 29 goal contributions in 15 matches, and Luciano Acosta comes in at 30 in 28 games, while Evander has risen as a true offensive power.

He is different from most of the other players, which includes the big-name signings who came to MLS, because he is a finisher and distributor of plays. His versatility on the pitch is the thing that keeps him standing out.

How the Brazilian Drives the Portland Timbers

The Portland Timbers are standing in eighth place in the West and are, at least for now, holding onto their playoff hopes, which have been elusive for the past two seasons. This team is greatly different in success or failure concerning Evander. Over the past five games, the Brazilian was involved in seven goal contributions and directly impacted whether his team came out as victors, drew, or lost.

As the MLS enters its final stretch, Evander's importance becomes all the more vital. He not only bears the burden of being the star player for the team but also has the added responsibility on his shoulders to guide the Timbers back into the playoffs, for which the crowd is drooling.

More Than Just the Stars

No one can talk about Evander without mentioning the fact that his performance has indeed affected the MLS narrative. The league has made a big gamble with massive investments to attract star names to make sure it is on the global stage. Evander stands out, however, as representative of the local talent-or, at least, talent already present in the league before the arrival of the superstars.

It's almost assumed that with Messi and company, the league will now be elevated to the next level. But players like Evander have proven that the technical quality of MLS was already in an upward trend before this huge influx of star power. With leading goal contributions in the league, Evander shines a light on the talent within MLS that has often been overshadowed with every new arrival of high-profile signings.