2017 MLS Pre-Season Top 10 Defensive Midfielders
If any of you have read my posts before or have listened to my podcast you know that I find the #6 role most important in MLS. The defensive midfielder role is key to helping connect the backline and the offense. When thinking about defensive midfielders in MLS there are plenty of big names. Here is my top 10 for defensive midfielders going into 2017.
10. Will Johnson, Orlando City SC
This offseason Will Johnson signed with his 5th MLS team, Orlando City. Johnson is a key contributor who has made it to MLS Cup in the last two seasons. Johnson is a player who will make an immediate impact to a team. The Canadian international is experienced and very talented at what he does. Last season for Toronto FC he was able to play in 23 games where he scored 2 goals and had 5 assists. It looks like the purple lions finally have their #6.
9. Jermaine Jones, LA Galaxy
I know that many people aren't going to be happy that I have Jones at number nine. But you can't deny his impact on the pitch. Jones is a major impact on offense, defense, and leadership. In only 9 games last season, Jones was able to score 3 goals and 2 assists. Jones is undeniably one of the most talented players on the pitch even at 35.
8. Carlos Gruezo, FC Dallas
Gruezo was a key signing for FC Dallas last offseason and he paid off. Last season Gruezo played alongside Acosta where he was able to play in 27 games and dominate opponents. Gruezo is a player who I am excited to take another step forward in 2017 and help FC Dallas have one of the best defenses in the league once again.
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7. Kyle Beckerman, Real Salt Lake
Kyle Beckerman is a RSL and MLS legend for good reason. The 34 year old has lost a step but he is still extremely physical. Beckerman consistently plays in around 25 games a season and he plays them extremely well. There isn't much that hasn't been said about Beckerman already. Beckerman is still a very good player and a player that RSL will rely on.
6. Sam Cronin, Colorado Rapids
The Colorado Rapids had the best defense in MLS last season. One of the key reasons why they had the best defense was the play of their defensive midfielder, Sam Cronin. Cronin might be my least known player on this list but his impact is one of the greatest. Cronin was able to start 33 games last season and played a great role in pushing up the field a bit and getting back on defense. Cronin is a very good player that people need to watch in 2017.
Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
5. Will Trapp, Columbus Crew
Trapp is a player who has been slowed by injury as of late. His talent is unbelievable however. Trapp had a below average season for him in 2016 but I expect a huge bounce back in 2017. If Trapp can play well along with Finlay and Meram then Columbus can make a return in 2017. Trapp may be able to impresse for club and country once again in 2017.
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
4. Kellyn Acosta, FC Dallas
I mentioned his defensive midfield partner earlier on in this article and now here is Acosta. Acosta is still only 21 and is the future for FC Dallas and the USMNT. Acosta played in 32 games last season for FC Dallas where he and Gruezo terrorized offenses. Acosta scored 2 goals and 5 assists last season showing his ability to slightly impact the offense as well. Acosta is easily capable of being the best #6 in MLS and in America pretty soon.
Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
3. Ozzie Alonso, Seattle Sounders
I believe that the top three defensive midfielders in MLS are pretty obvious, but everyone might have them in different spots. So, at number three I have recent MLS Cup champion Ozzie Alonso. Alonso has been with Seattle since their creation in 2009. Alonso is a true #6 and will do that job greatly for his club. He is easily one of the best passing players in MLS as well. Last season Alonso played in 32 games, scoring 3 goals (tied for his MLS career high) and racking up 4 assists (his MLS career high). Alonso will be key once again for the Sounders as he needs to be their rock in the midfield along with Cristian Roldan.
2. Dax McCarty, Chicago Fire
The former NYRB captain has had an interesting offseason. He has gotten married, been called to his first USMNT camp in a while, and was traded to the Chicago Fire. McCarty is a general on the field and you will hear him yelling all game long. He will position his team along with making the necessary plays to avoid goals. Last season for the Red Bulls he played in 27 games, scoring 3 goals and 5 assists. McCarty is an impactful player and someone who can completely turn a team around.
1. Michael Bradley, Toronto FC
Bradley isn't a true #6 in MLS. He does push up the field at times because of the help he has on TFC but he does sit back plenty to be that player before the backline. The TFC captain played in 24 games last season where he, Will Johnson, and Armando Cooper all helped out in the defensive midfielder role. Bradley, is extremely talented, he is able to slow the game down for TFC, and pass the ball up the field for Altidore and Giovinco to make their magic.
