Top 10 midfielders to watch out for in 2024 MLS season - ranked

Several top-notch midfielders are set to make their mark in the 2024 Major League Soccer season.

While the entertaining, attacking midfielders are what gets fans off their seats, teams can't win and compete without central and defensive midfielders who win the ball back and help retain possession. Last season, we saw plenty of midfielders establish themselves in the league, and they'll no doubt be back for more as the new season is set to begin.

Here are the top 10 midfielders ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign.

10. Emil Forsberg - New York Red Bulls

Emil Forsberg hasn't played a single minute for New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer, but his experience and undeniable quality land him inside the top 10.

The longtime RB Leipzig player looks set to make his mark with a fresh start at Red Bull Arena alongside first-year head coach Sandro Schwarz, aiming for more than a Wild Card spot with his new club.

9. Eduard Lowen - St Louis CITY

When you establish yourself as one of the top midfielders in your club's inaugural season in the league, you definitely earn a place in the top 10.

And that's exactly what Eduard Lowen did. His excellent play from the middle of the park propelled St Louis CITY to a memorable first season, finishing at the summit of the Western Conference table.

8. Keaton Parks - NYCFC

Keaton Parks may be a name that's gone under the radar, but his importance to NYCFC cannot be understated.

Every since joining the Boys in Blue from Portuguese giants Benfica just over four years ago, he's been a staple to the team's midfield wand was critical to their 2021 MLS Cup triumph over Portland Timbers.

7. Carles Gil - New England Revolution

Carles Gil is another name that might not spring to mind when you think of the top midfielders in the league, but it should.

The former Aston Villa and Valencia player has continued to show and show out for New England Revolution since joining in 2019, playing his part in their 2021 Supporters' Shield triumph with four goals and 18 assists.

6. Riqui Puig - LA Galaxy

Although LA Galaxy had a season to forget in 2023, ex-Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig was a lone bright spot for the Western Conference side.

Puig has shown his quality in his one-and-a-half seasons in MLS, playing a key role in Greg Vanney's system as either a deeper-lying playmaker or as a No. 10.

5. Aidan Morris - Columbus Crew

Aidan Morris is more of a traditional, box-to-box midfielder who continues to impress with each season played.

Morris, alongside a veteran midfielder who also makes the list, showed out all season and looks destined for a move to Europe in the next couple of years should he continue on his current trajectory.

4. Darlington Nagbe - Columbus Crew

There's no way Darlington Nagbe wasn't going to feature in this list after he reached a huge milestone in his career in December - lifting an MLS Cup (fourth overall) with a third different team (Atlanta United - 2018, Portland Timbers - 2015).

His veteran presence in the middle of the park makes the Crew nearly unbeatable, and the Crew will no doubt aim to go back-to-back with Nagbe and Morris in the mix in 2024.

3. Hector Herrera - Houston Dynamo

Ben Olsen worked wonders in his first season in charge of Houston Dynamo, but former FC Porto player Hector Herrera more than played his part, too.

The El Tri legend notched the second-most assists in the league with 17 and propelled the Dynamo to the Western Conference final, establishing himself as a top deeper-lying creator.

2. Thiago Almada - Atlanta United

Thiago Almada arrived as the most expensive inbound transfer in league history, and the 2022 World Cup winner hasn't disappointed with Atlanta United.

Almada's 19 assists last season were second to none, thanks in-part to the clinical finishing of Giorgos Giakoumakis. With Giakoumakis and the likes of Xande Silva and Saba Lobjanidze returning, who's to say the Argentina international can't break 20 assists this season?

1. Lucho Acosta - FC Cincinnati

Lucho Acosta couldn't be stopped in 2023 as he tallied 31 goal involvements (most in MLS) to propel FC Cincinnati to their first-ever trophy in the form of the Supporters' Shield, while also taking home the league's MVP award.

Acosta and Cincinnati will be back for more in 2024, looking to finally reach MLS Cup with the additions of Miles Robinson, Corey Baird and Pavel Bucha.