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 roster when the match kicks off on July 18th in Washington, D.C.
The plethora of talent in MLS is palpable. From clinical forwards to masterful midfielders to tough tackling defenders and showstopping 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? Every week, this list will power ranking every player worthy of an All-star selection until they hit the field this summer.
Here are 90Min’s All-Star game power rankings.
Joe Willis has been a mainstay in Nashville SC’s net since arriving at the club in 2020.
In 2023, Willis has been in remarkable form, keeping three clean sheets and having the second-best save percentage in the league, with 88.2%.
Though it’s still early days, and form can fluctuate, Willis has been consistently great for Nashville through every game this year, and for that, he deserves All-Star recognition.
(Also in contention: Djordje Petrovic, and Roman Celentano)
There is a myriad of fantastic left-backs in MLS, but one has stood out so far.
The New England Revolution’s DeJuan Jones has steadily been putting in notable performances every week.
Jones has dazzled in defense and attack, and the 25-year-old is a big reason why the Revolution sits at the top of the Eastern Conference with twelve points through five games.
Should Jones keep this up, there’s no reason why he won’t be selected as an All-Star.
(Also in contention: Franco Negri and Kai Wagner)
Tim Parker’s defensive prowess can’t go unnoticed.
His ‘none shall pass’ mentality has St. Louis at the top of the Western Conference.
Through five games this season, Parker and his center-back partners have only given up four goals.
It may be likely his form could dip throughout the season, but as of now, he’s in prime position to get an All-Star selection.
(Also in contention: Kyle Hiebert and Henry Kessler)
Walker Zimmerman is still one of the best defenders in MLS.
His leadership and aerial ability makes him one of the most difficult defenders to play against in MLS.
He’s the reason why Nashville have yet to concede too many goal this year. Should Zimmerman get selected again, this will be his second time in his career.
(Also in contention: Jesus Murillo and Giorgio Chiellini)
Ryan Hollingshead isn’t the flashiest name on the list, but he’s been a steady presence in LAFC’s back line.
The 31-year-old has yet to put a foot wrong for the Black and Gold so far this season.
His overlapping runs and hustle to get back on defense makes him an integral part of LAFC’s system.
(Also in contention: Jon Gallagher and Richie Laryea)
Gaston Brugman is the heart of the LA Galaxy midfield.
While often overlooked in favor of his more flashy teammates, the Uruguayan does the dirty work to make them tick.
His long passing range and ability to clog holes defensively are key to the Galaxy’s system.
Though he may fly under the radar for most fans, Brugman’s work shouldn’t go unnoticed. An All-Star selection may be on the cards for him if he keeps this up.
(Also in contention: Joao Paulo and James Sands)
Eduard Lowen has been a massive reason why St. Louis has broke MLS records.
The German has been the engine in their midfield, and his endless stamina and knack for assist has been key to their attack.
With one goal and three asists in five game, the 26-year-old is proving to be a brilliant investment for St. Louis.
(Also in contention: Mateusz Klich and Jean Mota)
There’s no question that Thiago Almada will be an MLS All-Star.
The World Cup winner has been immense for Atlanta United this year, scoring spectacular goals and carrying them to several wins.
Almada has four goals and four assists on the year and will continue to add to that tally.
The Argentine is probably, the only lockdown starter on this list and will remain so until the game officially begins.
(Also in contention: Hany Mukhtar and Daniel Gazdag)
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 six goals in all competitions. His knack for finding spaces in behind and ferocity in front of goal makes him strenuous to defend against.
If the 28-year-old can continue this excellent run of form, he’s a lock for an All-Star selection.
(Also in contention: Christian Espinoza and Carlos Vela)
Jordan Morris has started off the season in red hot form, leading the league in goals scored.
His attacking mentality is one of the best in MLS, and it’s difficult to see him stopping anytime soon.
With a phenomenal supporting cast around him, Morris will only continue to get better – likely taking him to the All-Star game for the second time in his career.
(Also in contention: Caleb Wiley and Leo Chu)
Since arriving in MLS, Joao Klauss has been unstoppable.
The has five goals and one assist through five games, leading St. Louis to the top of the Western Conference.
There is no other forward in the league as in form as the 26-year-old and there’s no reason to believe he can’t continue these performances until All-Star weekend.
(Also in contention: Jesus Ferreira and Christian Benteke)
Credit: 90min.com
