MLS is heating up, and with the race for the MVP award in full gear, what catches everyone's eye is how four out of the top five players in the rankings are from South America. And if you thought that Latin dominance limited itself to just flashy plays and stunning dribbles, think again. With the season reeling to a close, the fight for the league's most coveted individual award is electrifying. And who is running the show? The race is close, with Cucho Hernandez, that Cucho, edging out some heavyweights to the top, not least of which is Lionel Messi, who also managed to keep himself at the top of the pile following the Supporter's Shield.
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Cucho Hernandez: Leading the Show
And once more, the forward from Colombia, playing for Columbus Crew, Cucho Hernandez, leads this MVP race with 19 goals and 10 assists. And no, it is not just his goal tally-that stands out, but the way he sets up his teammates with picture-perfect opportunities. In a league salivating over flexibility, Cucho was deadly in front of the goal and just as brilliant when assisting.
But the most amazing thing is how consistent he has been this season. This isn't just a good run; this isn't just a few standout games. Cucho started with the first whistle and has literally, to this day, been on fire. In one sense, it's almost like he has taken the ball and said, "I'm the guy this year." It doesn't matter who's on the other side of him-Messi, Benteke, or whatever-Cucho is dominating them, showing he can be MVP without question.
Let's be real here: to lead the race and be ahead of one of the greatest players ever, such as Lionel Messi, would be like planting your flag atop the highest summit in MLS.
Lionel Messi: The Cornered King?
The introduction of Lionel Messi is almost redundant. His arrival into the MLS can be coined nothing short of a seismic event. With that said and done, the numbers talk: 20 goals, 10 assists. Messi has done what Messi knows best-magic on the field and raising Inter Miami up. Still, his absences in pivotal moments due to injuries and international duties are what may be holding him behind Cucho going into the last leg of the season.
And what we can see is what few thought would be the case: the undoubted legend Messi is in second place. Not that his importance is less because of this fact, but rather the fact that Cucho is ahead only forces us to reflect on how competitive MLS is. Messi, as brilliant as he is, has found worthy opponents, and the MVP race gets all the more exciting because of it.
Who would have thought that this genius of an Argentine maestro was fighting not to fall behind? The irony is there: Messi, the eternal dominator, now needs to fight off both time and young rising stars if he wants his name at the top.
Christian Benteke: The Consistent Finisher
Coming third is D.C. United's Christian Benteke, with a total of 23 goals and 5 assists. Not South American, yet Benteke is quite impossible to leave out of this race. What impresses most about Benteke is his calmness and efficiency in front of goal. He is the classic clinical striker.
Benteke is that kind of player who does what is expected from any forward: he puts the ball in the back of the net mercilessly. He is strong, but don't get it twisted because he is not just a finisher. His 5 assists show that Benteke knows how to play for the team, creating chances for his teammates anytime an opportunity shows up.
Conceding that he is not the favorite for MVP, his season deserves a standing ovation anyway. Anybody who enjoys watching a powerful, quick, and determined forward has been very pleased with Benteke in 2023.
Evander: The Brazilian Who Wowed MLS
Now, let's talk about a name that has been growing more and more with each game: Evander. The Brazilian midfielder of the Portland Timbers is having a great season, with 15 goals and 15 assists. His stats show a lethal mix of vision and scoring ability. We talk about a player who comes from a position where usually the spotlight is shared with the rest of the midfield. But no, Evander has taken matters into his own hands and keeps making history.
Evander is one of those players who takes the ball, lifts up his head, and boom, it is magic. His capability of creating plays sets him apart from the rest, for sure; top European leagues are following him, awaiting the moment when they can bring such talent to an even bigger stage.
If this is not his MVP season, you can bet that he will come back stronger next season-or maybe not even be in the league, because his move to a bigger league is inevitable.
Lucho Acosta: The Engine of FC Cincinnati
Rounding out the top five is another Argentine in Lucho Acosta of FC Cincinnati. With 14 goals and 15 assists, Lucho isn't just commanding the midfield but is the engine that keeps this team's attack running. The way he orchestrates a game, sprinkling passes here and there with surgical touch, is a wonder to see.
Lucho Acosta is that player-always important, always crucial to the game, not in the box, necessarily, in front of the goal. But what makes him really different is his assists. During this season, he has done almost 20 decisive passes, hence leading the league in that category.
Though he sits in fifth place in the MVP rankings, his importance to Cincinnati's success is undeniably there. Though he may not take home the individual prize, his season is already a standout and there is little doubt the Cincinnati fans are grateful for what he's done on the field.
South American Power in MLS
The most patent issue is the predominance of South American players in this MVP race, since four out of the top five players come from that region, which has never stopped bringing in first-class players. Although it's tight, with Cucho Hernandez leading the pack ahead of Messi, Benteke, Evander, and Lucho Acosta, MLS has always been full of surprises and constant renewal.
The 2023 MLS season will be remembered-not only for the excellent soccer but especially for the fieriness of the competition. Whichever one wins MVP will do so with the knowledge of one sure thing: South American soccer has left its mark on U.S. fields.