Major League Soccer Midfielders - 2023 power rankings
By Alex Windley
Midfielders are the engines that make most teams ticks. In MLS, there is a myriad of these types of players who pull the strings in the middle of the field to them on to victory. Alongside attacking players, midfielders, are arguably the most important position to get right in the league. Without a solid midfield, then everything falls apart.
This week we saw a myraid of midfielders play important roles for the teams on the field.
Here are 90minUS's most in-form midfielders in MLS...
10. Ben Bender
Ben Bender is a young, promising player who was drafted in 2022 by Charlotte FC.
Bender has a high upside and has a game that can surprise people.
He’s lanky but quick and has ferocity in his shooting. His recent outing against Toronto FC saw him pick up his first goal of the season.
If Charlotte wants to make the playoffs this year, then Bender is a player they should lean on.
9. Jean Mota
Though Inter Miami is on a four-game losing streak, Jean Mota has been one of their standout performers.
The 29-year-old has a knack for long balls over the top and has great vision and quick feet. Despite Miami's losing form, they have one player in good form to help them get back to winning ways.
8. Gaston Brugman
Gaston Brugman is the unsung hero in the Galaxy’s midfield.
While the LA side has yet to win a game this season, Brugman’s work doesn't go unnoticed.
His defensive responsibilities and propensity to hit accurate long balls make him an important weapon from deep in the midfield.
7. Carles Gil
Carles Gil has consistently been one of the best midfielders in MLS, and this season he’s improving his form.
The Spaniard has led New England Revolution to a fantastic start to the season. The Revolution is currently third in the Eastern Conference because of him and has no signs of slowing down.
His calmness on the ball, vision, and leadership are integral to New England’s success.
6. Franco Ibarra
Franco Ibarra does the dirty work for Atlanta, so their superstar attacking midfielder Thiago Almada doesn’t have to.
Ibarra's defensive duties are very important to the way they play, without them, there would be gaps in Atlanta’s midfield and the Five Stripes would be susceptible to counterattacks.
In their latest win against the New York Red Bulls, Ibarra put on a man-of-the-match performance, ending the game with eight recoveries, five clearances, and 14 duel wins.
5. Eduard Lowen
Eduard Lowen has been one of the best players for St. Louis City this season.
The German international is the maestro that makes the midfield flow, racking up one goal and three assists in six matches.
His form will only get better as St. Louis continue to gel as a team.
4. Nicolas Lodeiro
Nicolas Lodeiro is the engine that makes the Seattle Sounders tick.
With Jordan Morris leading the league with seven goals, it’s only natural that he would be able to achieve those levels with a playmaker like Lodeiro behind him.
The Uruguayan has two assists on the season as Seattle sits second in the Western Conference.
3. Ali Ahmed
Ali Ahmed is a surprising name on this list.
The 22-year-old had a standout against CF Montreal and the Vancouver Whitecaps went on to beat them 5-0.
Ahmed ended the game with one goal, one assist and six tackles won.
2. Hany Mukhtar
Hany Mukhtar is back to MVP levels for Nashville SC, as his one-goal and one-assist performance saw them beat Eastern Conference rivals Orlando City.
Mukhtar has had a slow start to the season, but the German is slowly coming into form as the year goes on.
It’s only a matter of time before Mukhtar gets back to the level that made him so good for the men in gold last season.
1. Aidan Morris
Aidan Morris showed his class as he scored two goals in the Columbus Crew’s 4-0 vs. Real Salt Lake.
The Fort Lauderdale native demonstrated that he’s one of the top young players in his position.
Morris is a strong box-to-box midfielder who has incredible vision and defensive positioning.
The 21-year-old will only continue to get better as the season progresses.