MLS Week 5 best players - ranked

Week 5 was a big one in Major League Soccer with so many teams returning from the international break.

From the Golden Boot race to the battle for the Playoffs, there are already some interesting early narratives emerging. As the season goes on, it'll be the big names and individuals who make all the difference for their teams.

So, who were the best players of Week 5, helping deliver all-important points for their teams? Let's take a look.

5. Fafa Picault (Houston Dynamo)

The Houston Dynamo picked up a big 3-1 road win at Inter Miami on Saturday and just as he has been on multiple occasions over the past couple of years, Fafa Picault was the architect.

The 31-year-old forward looked hungry for goals all night but was frustrated by Miami goalkeeper Nick Marsman until the 57th minute, when he doubled Houston's lead from the penalty spot. Picault then finished the job in stoppage time, racing down the right flank and taking the ball unmarked, before firing low into the far corner.

Between goals, Picault worked hard to keep Miami at bay with four interceptions, six recoveries, two tackles, and two clearances, so he certainly earned his two goals.

4. Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders)

Is there a better midfielder than Joao Paulo in MLS right now? The Brazilian was once again influential in the Seattle Sounders' 2-1 win over Minnesota United.

Of course, he was up to his usual tricks protecting his defense, making four tackles and nine recoveries. But it was his work on the ball that caught the eye, with Joao Paulo creating two chances and completing a match-high 67 passes.

The crowning moment, however, came quite early on in the 38th minute the midfielder arrived late on the edge of the box to be teed up by Nico Lodeiro before firing home first-time off the crossbar. A trademark Joao Paulo goal; a late run and exquisite technique, aptly described by the commentary team as "Braziliance".

3. Kei Kamara (CF Montreal)

Given his record in this league, it was only a matter of time before Kei Kamara reminded everyone he's back in MLS. The Sierra Leone striker chose a Saturday night in Cincinnati to serve up that reminder.

It was good timing for CF Montreal, too, as they came up against an inspired striker in Brandon Vazquez. But Kamara got the Canadian side over the line.

The 37-year-old burst into life at the end of the first half, teeing up Djordje Mihailivic to draw Montreal level for the second time in the match in the 41st minute. Just five minutes later, right on the stroke of half-time, Kamara found space behind the Cincinnati defense to fire home and put Wilfried Nancy's side 3-2 up.

Incredibly, the veteran forward lasted the full 90 minutes and certainly left the Cincy center-backs with some battle scars, winning a match-high seven aerial duels and attempting three shots.

2. Chicharito (LA Galaxy)

Chicharito scores goals. At his best, there is nobody better at just being in the right place at the right time to put the ball in the net. It can be beautiful, it can be messy. It doesn't matter, you can't stop him.

The 33-year-old Mexican was at it again on Sunday, netting a brace as the LA Galaxy won 3-1 away at the Portland Timbers.

First, Chicharito arrived at the back post to poke home a Samuel Grandsir cross after just nine minutes. After going 2-0 down, the Timbers rallied and halved the deficit in the 51st minute, but just eight minutes later, Chicharito was there again to sweep a Raheem Edwards pass into the far corner.

True goals full of elite striker's instinct to move the Galaxy up to third in the West ahead of this weekend's El Trafico meeting with LAFC.

1. Djordje Mihailovic (CF Montreal)

The assist from Kamara we mentioned earlier was to set up Mihailovic's second goal of Saturday's match in Cincinnati. His first strike on 17 minutes was even more impressive, drilling the ball into the far corner with incredible precision, leaving goalkeeper Alec Kann with absolutely no chance.

Alongside his goals, Mihailovic created one chance, completed two dribbles, and chipped in defensively with a tackle, a clearance, and an interception. He played a monumental role in Montreal picking up their first, vital win of the MLS season.

It's just yet another excellent performance in a wider strong run of form since joining CF Montreal. One that might just earn Mihailovic a late call into the USMNT picture ahead of the 2022 World Cup.

Honorable mentions: Joe Willis, Brandon Vazquez, Jesus Murillo, Brad Stuver, Cade Cowell, Jonathan Osorio, Carlos Coronel, Julian Carranza, Thiago Almada, Jesus Jimenez, Marcelino Moreno, Raheem Edwards.