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Top Players to Keep and Eye on in MLS 2023

Published 04/21/2023, 7:15 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The MLS is one of the most exhilarating soccer leagues in the world. Founded in 1993, it has been a long and tiring journey for the coveted league. Recovering from various financial problems in the initial days, the MLS rose to attract some of the top players in the world. Therefore, with that comes merchandising and other commercial boosts. Top players attract fans to the stadium, and this season, the league hosts some of the best players in the world.

Earlier, some top players arrived after they spent their peak years in Europe. But now, things are changing. Players with potential are entering the league because of its steady improvement. Diving deeper into the tournament, players like Landon Donovan, Chris Wondolowski, Jaime Moreno, and Robbie Keane are some of the best players to grace the MLS in the past seasons. But the current crop of players looks dazzling. They have what it takes to reach those levels. Hence, here’s a list of the top MLS 2023 players to play in the season.

MLS Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic (New England Revolution)

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The Serbian goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic, enters the list in style. Several clubs are looking at the potential to sign him up, with Manchester United being one. That’s how highly rated the 23-year-old is. The towering goalkeeper is adept in shot-stopping and comes out quickly to retrieve the ball. With Manchester United looking to sign him, his ball distribution qualities would help him to fit perfectly into the Erik Ten Hag system of free-flowing soccer.

 

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He has played 34 games for the New England Revolution and managed 11 clean sheets. Moreover, he made 121 saves in these two seasons and saved four penalty kicks. With the ball on his feet, he averages around a 63% pass accuracy rate that will only improve as he matures into a sweeper keeper. Petrovic is a hidden gem from Serbia who looks to be on the move to Europe. For now, he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the MLS.

Right-back Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)

Talk about having Trent-Alexander Arnold in the MLS; that’s what Julian Gressel is for the MLS. He passes the ball uniquely from the right-back position. His dead-ball technique is one of the best in the MLS while providing sensational balls into the box. The low crosses he produces are a thing of beauty, and Gressel has contributed to some of the best moments in the MLS. He became the Rookie of the Year in 2017 and propelled Atlanta United to win the MLS Cup in 2018.

 

In 192 appearances in the MLS, he scored 22 goals and created 64 assists. In addition, he has 26 clean sheets to his name and 202 interceptions, showcasing his defensive ability. Therefore, Gressel is one of the highly-rated players in the MLS.

Right-center back Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union)

Standing at 6’2″, Philadelphia Union’s Jakob Glesnes is one of the best players in the MLS. He is a defender who wears his heart on his sleeve while having a rocket of a right foot under him. Some goals he scored are remarkable and put attacking players to shame. He is aerially dominant, ability to take long shots is outstanding while also committing bone-crunching slide tackles. The sensational soccer player is the 2022 MLS Defender of the Year.

 

In 95 games, he scored four goals in the league, with one being a 40-yard screamer after taking a free-kick. Now 29, Glesnes is Philadelphia’s stalwart in the defense and continues to impress for the club. Fans love the player for his long-range antics.

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Left-center Back Robin Jansson (Orlando City SC)

Contrary to Glesnes, Robin Jansson of Orlando City SC is a calm, composed defender on the ball. The left-footed center-back is one of the best players in the league and a very experienced defender. He anticipates situations well while staying composed on the ball during opposition presses. Playing forward passes is a key trait for many defenders, and Jansson is adept at those.

Extraordinarily, he played around 9337 minutes in the MLS, never missing a game out injured. He is fit and looks defensively solid. Robin averages around 1.14 tackles and 1.10 interceptions per 90 and recovers the football in style. He is one of the best players in the league.

MLS Striker William Agada (Sporting Kansas City)

When speaking about brawny center forwards, Sporting Kansas City’s William Agada comes into the picture. The US soccer league is blessed to have the Nigerian striker running the show. He is that good! Still 23, he is endowed with a frightening pace, as well as brute strength. He rises well to head the balls as well strikes the ball cleanly into the goalpost. Hence, Agada is one of the upcoming talents in the MLS 2023 season.

 

Some of his positives remain foxy off-the-ball movement and brilliant link-up play. He scored eight goals in 12 appearances during the 2022 season. Although he started slowly in the current campaign, Agada has the potential to be the Didier Drogba of the MLS.

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Winger Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC)

Arguably the first superstar to come into the MLS in his prime, Lorenzo Insigne shocked fans after his move to the MLS from Napoli. The Euro 2020 winner with Italy dazzled the league with his trickery and skill. The creative winger uses his short 5’4″ inch frame to use his center of gravity to perfection. He dribbles past opponents with ease but injuries have stopped him from reaching the next level.

 

In the 13 games he played, Insigne scored six goals and created two assists for Toronto FC. The club has not performed well recently, and fans hope Insigne’s experience could similarly lead the team like Kawhi Leonard’s incredible performance for Toronto’s basketball franchise, the Raptors. Leading them to the top would be crucial for his success, and fans hope Lorenzo can do just that!

Defensive Midfielder Jose Martinez (Philadelphia Union)

Talk about underrated midfielders in the MLS league; Jose Martinez comes to our mind. The leggy-Venezuelan player is one of the best defensive-minded midfielders in the game. He is one of the best in the MLS in his position and continues to be touted by various clubs. Along with Glesnes, Martinez shields the defense, making vital interceptions and well-timed tackles.

 

Per 90, he averages 2.29 tackles and 1.85 interceptions, showcasing his dominance on the pitch. Nicknamed “el Brujo”, Martinez uses his gangly but muscular frame to manipulate opponents to make mistakes. He presses off the ball efficiently and possesses exceptional intelligence on the ball. Thus, he is one of the key players for his club and can control the game with the scruff of his neck.

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Central Midfielder Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy)

There are hardly a few clubs in the world that produces sensational talents like Barcelona. They home some of the best wonder kids, and their extensive scouting network helps them nick off hidden gems. However, Riqui Puig left the club to join MLS side La Galaxy in an ambitious move. He has the uncanny ability to pick out a creative pass, and his stunning vision is second to none. 

 

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Signing for LA Galaxy in 2022, Puig has provided five assists and scored three goals in 17 games. Boasting a pass percentage of 90, Puig is critical for the team’s success and is an asset to the whole league. The MLS is home to some of the finest stars in soccer, and the competition is definitely on the rise. 

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is a senior sports writer at EssentiallySports, with a passion for writing about soccer, NBA, and other American sports. He has published over 1500 articles to date, showcasing his creativity and engaging writing style that captivates his audience. As an ardent admirer of Arsenal, Jacob's soccer roots can be traced back to the legendary Thierry Henry.
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Edited by:

Sreeda U M