The CV Sports HQ board of the ten best players in MLS right now — Messi, Suárez, Bouanga, Busquets, Mukhtar, Cucho, Riqui Puig, Benteke, Evander and Almada. Strengths, weaknesses and the verdict on every name. Curated by host Nelito (“Call me Lito”).
“He's not chasing the league — the league is chasing him.”
Still the most complete creator on the planet. Set-piece master, line-breaking passer, ice-cold finisher.
Defensive workrate is by design, not effort. Cardio over a full 90 limited; needs Miami structured around him.
“The most dangerous No. 9 in MLS the moment the ball enters the box.”
Box smarts that have not aged, link-up play with Messi is muscle memory, ruthless inside the six.
Knees demand load management; not a pressing forward anymore in a league that runs hot.
“The Western Conference matchup nightmare nobody wants on Friday night.”
Explosive on the half-turn, lethal off the left, can carry an attack by himself for stretches.
Decision-making in the final third runs hot; quiet on the road when the press is organized.
“When Busi sets the metronome, Miami becomes the best team in the league.”
Press resistance is unmatched in the league, dictates tempo, single-handedly breaks first lines of pressure.
Foot speed gone — vulnerable when isolated in transition; partner has to cover ground.
“Former MLS MVP, still the most underrated playmaker in North America.”
Two-footed, elite shot creation, can play as a 10 or false 9. Carries an offense.
Too often the only spark — when teams shadow-mark him Nashville goes flat.
“MLS Cup hero whose ceiling is still higher than the league has seen.”
Dribble-and-finish in tight spaces, comfortable in either box, big-game personality.
Inconsistent press triggers; can drift wide and out of the danger zone.
“When healthy, Puig sees passes nobody else in MLS even attempts.”
Tightest turn in the league, retains possession under pressure, creative ball progression.
Coming off a serious knee injury — explosiveness still building back; physical mismatches a concern.
“Reigning Golden Boot — the best old-school No. 9 in the league.”
Air dominance, hold-up play that drags an entire midfield up the field, clutch in 1-v-1s.
Limited mobility outside the box; D.C. lacks the service to maximize him weekly.
“Cincinnati’s entire attack runs through his right foot — and it works.”
Volume of chance creation and shooting from range. Engine of one of the East’s top sides.
Decision-making in transition is streaky; can force the spectacular when the simple ball is on.
“The youngest World Cup winner ever — and on his day, the best player on any MLS field.”
World Cup winner pedigree, line-breaking dribbles, two-footed shooter, elite at angled cutbacks.
Streaky finishing; tactical discipline off-ball still developing.
The under-23 names who are about to take over the league — and the transfer market with them.
READ THE FUTURE STARS BOARD →