5 players to watch during the 2021 MLS season

LA Galaxy forward Chicharito celebrates scoring against Los Angeles FC
LA Galaxy forward Chicharito celebrates scoring against Los Angeles FC / Michael Janosz/ISI Photos/Getty Images
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The 2021 season of MLS has already made headlines with stunning goals and dynamic plays.

After only four weeks, speculation of who is the best player is already on the rise. The competition for the title will be difficult this year, with so many breakout stars on the horizon - these are the players to watch out for in the coming weeks.


5. Matt Turner 

Matt Turner
Turner is a quality stopper / Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Goalkeepers are rarely considered as players to watch out for, making Turner that much more special.

He was a key factor in enabling the New England Revolution to break into the top 10 in the Eastern Conference. After being named a finalist for the Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, spectators began to take notice of the young star. Fans should expect another great year for him.


4. Jonathan Dos Santos 

Jonathan dos Santos
Dos Santos oozes quality / John McCoy/Getty Images

Dos Santos will play a vital role in the success of LA Galaxy, largely because of his immense ability the game through strategic passing and strong runs with the ball.

His partnership with Chicharito could be a sight to see, while his creativity and dynamic mind always make an impact.


3. Diego Rossi 

Diego Rossi
Rossi is a dangerous winger / Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Diego Rossi stands as arguably the best scoring winger in the league.

He maintained his side afloat last season amid Carlos Velas’ injury spell, and individually the Uruguayan international led the league with 14 goals in 19 matches. With Vela back at his side, Rossi’s creativity as a striker is bound to explode.


2. Josef Martinez

Josef Martinez
Martinez is a goal machine / Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/Getty Images

The Atlanta United forward is no stranger to being one to watch.

Martinez first proved his worth in 2019, standing out with 27 goals scored in 29 games. He’s valued for his consistency from the 18-yard box as he scored in 12 consecutive matches during his breakout year.

Though he missed most of last season with an ACL tear, Martinez is angsty to get back to his goal-scoring ways.


1. Chicharito 

Javier Hernandez
Chicharito has made a hot start to 2021 / Michael Janosz/ISI Photos/Getty Images

LA Galaxy’s newest allstar is on the rise with no end in sight. After a disappointing and injury-fuelled first season, Chicharito has returned this year with a thirst for success.

He’s already scored 6 goals in the first 4 matches of the 2021 season, and his performance against rival LAFC displayed the side of Chicharito that fans are excited to keep watching.