Almada, Chicharito among players to watch
The biggest winner in the Major League Soccer offseason transfer market ended up being the rumor mill.
Whether it was the apparent flirtation between Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, or the interest that Los Angeles FC had for Chelsea striker Pierre-emerick Aubameyang, neither came to fruition and the MLS offseason was devoid of a splashy incoming international move.
But there are still plenty of stars across the MLS to watch for during the 2023 season that begins Saturday:
Jesus Ferreira, FC Dallas
Ferreira finally reached his potential last season as he scored 18 goals for FC Dallas, tying for fourth-most in the league. He helped the team finish third in the Western Conference and reach the Western Conference semifinals before they were knocked out of the playoffs by Austin. His time with the MLS club meant he played only a limited role for the United
States in the World Cup. He didn’t hit the field in Qatar until the round of 16 loss to the Netherlands. He begins building his case this season to become one of the primary strikers on future U.S. teams.
Hany Mukhtar, Nashville
The reigning league MVP was spectacular last season with 23 goals and 11 assists, helping Nashville finish fifth in the Western Conference and earn a playoff berth. Mukhtar’s 34 goals were the fifth-most in
a single season in MLS history.
In his three seasons with Nashville, Mukhtar has 43 goals in 73 games and there’s no reason to think he’s about to slow down this season.
Cucho Hernandez, Columbus
The latest young South American star to join MLS made quite the splash in his limited debut last season. Hernandez had nine goals and two assists in just 16 games for the Columbus Crew following his move from Watford.
A full season with the Crew should be a big boost as Columbus looks to get back to the postseason after missing the playoffs by two points last season.
Javier “Chicarito” Hernandez, LA Galaxy
The ageless Mexican star stepped back into the past and led the LA Galaxy to a playoff berth last season. Chicharito had 18 goals and played in 32 matches, both highs since he moved to MLS. They were the most goals for Hernandez in any season since 200910, when he scored 21 in his final season with Chivas de Guadalajara.
Thiago Almada, Atlanta United
The 21-year-old will step into a larger role this season for Atlanta United following the departure of Martinez to Miami. Almada appeared in 29 games and had six goals and seven assists last season. Atlanta will be hoping that Almada can quickly develop a relationship with new forward Giorgos Giakoumakis, who just arrived from Celtic.