Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada ranks among MLS’ most valuable players

ATLANTA – Atlanta United’s Thiago Almada recently ranked among the top five players in MLS with a market value of more than $28 million.

Release:

• Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi is the most valuable player in MLS, with a market value of $31.8 million.
• Atlanta’s Thiago Almada ranks second, with a market value of $28.6 million
• Riqui Puig of the LA Galaxy, Miles Robinson of FC Cincinnati and Cucho Hernández of the Columbus Crew are also in the XI.

A new study has revealed the most valuable XI in MLS, with soccer legend Lionel Messi leading the way as the league’s most valuable player at $31.8. Million.

The study, conducted by sports streaming experts Live Sports on TV, collected data on player values ​​within the Major Soccer League; the players with the highest value in each position determined the most valuable XI.

Goalie: Patrick Schulte | Value: $3.1 million
Team: Columbus’ crew

Patrick Schulte is one of the rising stars of American football. Drafted by Columbus in 2022, Schulte stepped up quickly in 2023, leading Columbus Crew to an MLS Cup victory and earning a call-up to the United States men’s national team.

Back right: Alex Roldan | Value: $3.7 million
Team: Seattle Sounders

The El Salvador captain has become a peripheral figure for the Seattle Sounders since his arrival and has impressed so far this season with a string of impressive performances – most notably in the Sounders’ 5-0 win over CF Montreal where he managed to score, as well as keep a clean sheet.

Center Back: Miles Robinson | Value: $5.3 million
Team: FC Cincinnati

Over the years, Miles Robinson has proven himself to be one of the most reliable central defenders in MLS. The USMNT star has won numerous accolades during his time in Atlanta, including MLS in 2018 and the US Open Cup in 2019.

Robinson signed for Cincinatti as a free agent in January 2024 following an Achilles injury, and now looks to reestablish himself as one of the best center backs the United States has to offer.

Center Back: Tomas Aviles | Value: $5.3 million
Team: InterMiami

Recruited to Racing Club in 2023, Avilés is a young Argentine defender who is quickly making a name for himself in world football. A player with undeniable talent and potential, the young central defender has now established himself as a regular starter in the Inter Miami team, already playing 645 minutes this season.

Leaving behind: Caleb Wiley | Value: $5.3 million
Team: Atlanta United

Named to American Soccer Now’s “Top 20 Young Americans to Watch” in the 2023 Major League Soccer season, Caleb Wiley is one of the most promising young soccer players in the United States.

Wiley has established himself as a regular starter in Atlanta’s squad over the past year and has put in a number of impressive performances this season as he looks to continue his exciting development.

Central midfielder: Riqui Puig | Value: $12.7 million
Team: Los Angeles Galaxy

A product of Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy, Riqui Puig was signed by LA Galaxy in 2022 after struggling to break into Barcelona’s senior team.

The technically gifted midfielder certainly didn’t take long to settle into MLS and has since become a key player for the LA Galaxy, putting in a string of standout performances this season that will ensure his value continues to rise.

Central attacking midfielder: Hany Mukhtar | Value: $12.7 million
Team: Nashville SC

Mukhtar’s exceptional skills and relentless drive became a predominant feature of Nashville’s game, earning him numerous accolades during his time in the United States, including the MLS MVP award and winning the Golden Boot after an incredible season in 2022.

Mukhtar also owns the fastest hat trick in MLS history, scoring three goals in just six minutes in a 2021 match against Chicago Fire FC.

Central attacking midfielder: Thiago Almada | Value: $28.6 million
Team: Atlanta United

Thiago Almada became the first active MLS player to win the World Cup when he helped lift the trophy in 2022 with Argentina. Almada’s talent is unquestionable, being recognized as the most promising young talent in the league in 2023, and will no doubt attract huge interest from some of the biggest teams in world football.

Right winger : Lionel Messi | Value: $31.8 million
Team: InterMiami

Winner of eight Ballons d’Or, three UEFA Champions Leagues and one World Cup, Messi continues to etch his name in the football history books, producing numerous stunning performances for Inter Miami and establishing himself as one of the best players. to always honor the game.

Left winger: Denis Bouanga | Value: $10.6 million
Team: Los Angeles FC

Denis Bouanga has been a consistent performer throughout his career, but he enjoyed his most prolific season in 2023, scoring 38 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions, quickly gaining a reputation as one of the world’s most successful attacking threats. most formidable in the MLS.

Bouanga’s electrifying speed, agility and technical abilities have cemented him as one of LA FC’s fan favorites.

Center forward : Cucho Hernández | Value: $13.8 million
Team: Columbus’ crew

Signing for a record $10 million from Watford in 2022, Cucho Hernandez joined Columbus Crew as many people expected big things from the Colombia international.

Cucho scored nine goals in 16 appearances in his first season in MLS and continued this prolific form into the 2023 season where he scored 24 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions. At just 24 years old, it’s likely that the best is yet to come for Cucho.

MLS Most Valuable XI – Total Value: $127.6 million

A spokesperson for Live Sports on TV commented on the results:

“The MLS Most Valuable XI is certainly fascinating. While Messi’s high market value at Inter Miami is undeniable, it’s refreshing to see talent spread across so many clubs.

“However, this was not always the case. A decade ago, designated players were often concentrated on a handful of teams like the LA Galaxy. Now, financial power is better distributed, fostering a more competitive environment and attracting a wider range of young talent.