2017 MLS Pre-Season Top 10 "Best of the Rest" Midfielders
Now that we have looked at the top ten goalkeepers, fullbacks, center backs, defensive midfielders, and attack midfielders, we move on to the rest of the midfield. I like to call these guys "the best of the rest" of the midfield. Some may be more offensive, some more defensive, and some box to box. But these are the guys that I don't like to categorize as a #10 or a #6.
10. Miguel Almiron, Atlanta United
I'm going to be honest here. Almiron might have some of the best talent we see in MLS in 2017 but I have him low because I've never seen him play before. So far in the few pre-season games that I've seen, he's looked very good. Some categorize him as a #10 but I'm not sold on him being that player for Atlanta. Almiron comes to Atlanta from the Argentinean Primera Division. I am excited to see him dominate with his skill in the midfield, leading up into an exciting attack.
9. Kekutah Manneh, Vancouver Whitecaps
Manneh is a left midfielder/left winger who is ridiculously fast. Manneh is able to blow by defenders and put in solid minutes for the Caps. Manneh only played in 17 games last season due to injury but that still didn't hurt his production. In his 17 games he was able to score 5 goals and 2 assists. If Manneh can stay healthy and connect well with the likes of Brek Shea, Crsitian Bolanos, and Alphonso Davies, than I expect a big year from Kekutah.
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8. Michael Barrios, FC Dallas
Barrios is one of the guys that gets overlooked in the FC Dallas lineup. Barrios is key to their midfield success. In the first part of the season Barrios linked up well with Mauro Diaz and was seemingly everywhere for Dallas. He is danger with his ability on ball and his ability to link up with teammates. In 2016 he was able to play in 30 games, score 9 goals, and pass for 2 assists. I am excited to see him match up with Roland Lamah, Javier Morales, and Mauro Diaz once again in 2017.
7. Andrea Pirlo, New York City FC
Pirlo is one of the best passing midfielders in soccer history. Since he has joined MLS he has continued to impress with his passing abilities. Pirlo is now 37 but that doesn't slow down his ability to deliver amazing passes to David Villa up top. Last season Pirlo was able to play in 32 of 34 games during the regular season. In his 32 games he was able to score 1 goal but he was able to put away 11 assists. NYCFC understands the situation and age of Pirlo and they play him in a role to best utilize him.
6. Chris Pontius, Philadelphia Union
Chris Pontius is coming off of his best year in MLS. He was able to play in 33 games, scoring 12 goals and 6 assists. Pontius's 2016 season was awarded by a January camp call up and I can envision a possible Gold Cup as well. Pontius knows how to score, if he can maintain his health then he will score 8+ goals once again in 2017. Also by having Jay Simpson as their new starting striker could open things up for Pontius.
5. Justin Meram, Columbus Crew
Justin Meram started off 2016 a bit slow but definitely picked it up by the end of the year. Meram ended 2016 having his career high in assists with 13. Still at the age of 28, Meram has plenty of seasons left in MLS. I expect around 5 goals and 10 assists for the Iraqi international in 2017. If he can get better production from the rest of that talented midfield that watch out for the black and yellow this year.
4. Alejandro Bedoya, Philadelphia Union
Bedoya may be a player out of favor with many USMNT fans but someone who is still going to make a major impact in MLS. Bedoya was only able to play in 10 games last season. I am excited to see what he can do with a full offseason and new teammates in 2017. Bedoya will make an impact on the defensive game for the Union but is also very capable of passing his way into 10+ assists in a full season.
3. Ethan Finlay, Columbus Crew
I mentioned his midfielder partner earlier, and now here is Finlay. Finlay is one of the best wide midfielders/wingers in MLS when on his game. Last season Finlay played in all 34 games, scoring 6 goals and 9 assists. Both him and Meram are well rounded midfielders who can help a team in multiple ways. Both can score, pass well, out run defenders, and make everyone else around them better. If we can see some health from Trapp and consistency from Tchani then look out for the Crew.
2. Kevin Molino, Minnesota United
Minnesota United spent a lot of money to bring in Molino this offseason and there are good reasons why. Molino was arguably the best player for Orlando City last season. When Kaka was out and Larin wasn't scoring, Molino took this team over. In 30 games for the purple lions last season, Molino was able to score 11 goals and 8 assists. He is a true midfielder that knows how to help the attack. I think his ability to get back on defense is also overlooked a bit. Molino is going to be a major leader for Minnesota this season as he adds MLS experience and great skill.
1. Shkelzen Gashi, Colorado Rapids
Is he a midfielder? a winger? a forward? I'm not sure. But it seems that he is going to be playing a little bit of all of that. Gashi has shown he has skill passing the ball with his nutmeg in last season's playoffs. He has also shown his scoring ability with his goal of the year last season. After a full year in MLS I am excited to see Gashi take a huge step forward in being a top talent in the league. I believe that he can be one of the best midfielders in MLS if he can get some help scoring the ball.
