Who start for Major League Soccer in the All-Stars game vs. Arsenal?
- Jesus Ferreira likely to kick off against Arsenal
- Thiago Almada will no doubt make an appearance
- Roman Burki to start at goal
With MLS recently announcing that Arsenal FC will be this year’s All-Star opponent, let’s take a look at the players in contention to make the starting XI when the match kicks off on July 18th in Washington, D.C.
The plethora of talent in MLS is palpable. From clinical forwards and masterful midfielders to tough tackling defenders and show stopping keepers, the best that the league has to offer will be on display as they take on Arsenal.
That said, who will be in the starting XI when game time comes?
1. Goalkeeper: Roman Burki (St. Louis City)
Roman Burki has impressed in his first season in MLS with St. Louis City in their debut season.
In 2023, Burki has been in top form, keeping five clean sheets and making the second-most saves in 2023 with 79.
The 32-year-old has a respectable save percentage of 76.7% and has played his part in conceding just 24 goals.
2. Left-back: Alvaro Barreal (FC Cincinnati)
FC Cincinnati's near-perfect season has been aided by the performances of Alvaro Barreal.
Barreal has started all 20 of Cincy's games this season, contributing six goal involvements going forward.
Rarely do full-backs get offensive praise, but for Barreal, he’s just as much of an attacking threat for Cincinnati as he is defending.
3. Left center-back: Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati)
Matt Miazga’s defensive prowess can’t go unnoticed.
His strong performances have propelled Cincinnati to the top of the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield standings, as he's helped his defense in allowing just 21 goals in 2023.
The 27-year-old's defensive work has allowed Cincy's attack to work their magic this season.
4. Right center-back: Walker Zimmerman (Nashville)
Walker Zimmerman is still one of the best defenders in MLS.
His leadership and aerial ability make him one of the most difficult defenders to play against in MLS.
He’s the reason why Nashville has yet to concede too many goals this year (16, the lowest in MLS). Should Zimmerman get selected again, this will be the second time in his career.
5. Right-back: Jon Gallagher (Austin FC)
Like Barreal, Austin FC's Jon Gallagher is a full-back who loves to get forward and help out in attack.
The Republic of Ireland international has scored five goals and one assist in 2023, starting all 20 games.
Gallagher has scored nine goals since joining the Verde and Black in 2020 as they've leapt up the Western Conference table in recent weeks.
6. Defensive midfield: Jose Martinez (Philadelphia Union)
Jose Mrtinez is the heart of the Philadelphia Union midfield.
While often overlooked in favor of his more flashy teammates, the 28-year-old does the dirty work to make them tick.
Martinez has also pitched in with one goal and one assist from the middle of the park.
Though he may fly under the radar for most fans, Martinez’s work shouldn't go unnoticed.
7. Central midfield: Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew)
Aidan Morris has burst on to the scene in 2023 with a bang.
The 21-year-old already has three goals and two assists to his name this season despite playing as a withdrawn central midfielder.
His soccer IQ, technique on the ball - and now, ability to score goals has helped the Crew get to fourth in the Eastern Conference.
8. Attacking midfield: Hany Mukhtar (Nashville)
Hany Mukhtar is back to his MVP level best with Nashville SC.
Since his return from injury, the German international tallying up 13 goals and seven assists in 21 games.
Many around the league know the impact the 28-year-old can bring. He's been vital to Nashville's push for the Supporters' Shield as they're just six points behind Cincinnati.
9. Left wing: Denis Boaunga (LAFC)
Denis Bouanga continues to get better which each match.
The Gabon international has picked up where he left off last season, starting the year with 11 goals in league play. His goals have kept LAFC near the top of the Western Conference.
His knack for finding spaces in behind and ferocity in front of the goal makes him strenuous to defend against.
10. Right wing: Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes)
Cristian Espinoza has been a focal point in attack for San Jose with nine goals in 21 games played.
His attacking mentality is one of the best in MLS, and it’s difficult to see him stopping anytime soon.
His delivery from set pieces and crosses also sets him apart from other wide players with four assists in 2023.
11. Forward: Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas)
Jesus Ferreira has picked up right where he left following an 18-goal campagin in 2022.
The USMNT figure has 10 goals through 18 games, willing FC Dallas to sixth place in the Western Conference.
While he is clearly an excellent goalscorer, Ferreira is also adept at holding up play and spraying passes out wide to teammates.