MLS 2021: here are the MLS Best XI

Today it was unveiled the MLS Best XI, a top list where only the top players of the tournament, chosen by MLS players, media, and MLS club technical staffs. 

The chosen players represent 8 nations and 5 clubs, who managed to qualify for the MLS Playoffs and the New England Revolution´s was at the top of the list, because four of their players were placed on the MLS Best XI. 

This squad, which achieved the Supporter´s Shield after win the most points in MLS regular-season history, is tied for the second most in the league history with D. C. United (1997, 2006) and Chicago Fire FC (1998, 2003), behind the Miami Fusion´s five chosen players in 2001. 

The MLS Best XI:

Forwards

Gustavo Bou

With 15 goals and nine assists, Bou it has become one of the most important elements of New England Revolution´s and boosted the Revs atop the Eastern Conference early in the year. That’s why he is part of the MLS Best XI.

Valentín Castellanos

No one scored more goals than him in the regular season: 19 goals to claim the 2021 MLS Golden Boot, and his team, NYCFC was at the top 4 teams in the Eastern Conference.

Raúl Ruidíaz

Seattle Sounders FC player led the Western Conference in goals for the fourth straight year, as he scored 17 times in the season. This is Ruidíaz´s second consecutive MLS Best XI selection.

Midfielders

Tajon Buchanan

New England Revolution´s player and promising international star led the Revs to their first Supporters Shield in club history. Buchanan recorded the most combined goals and assists of his career (13).

Carles Gil

The Revs midfielder gave his team 18 assists and four goals, that led the New England team to his first Supporter´s Shield and broke the all-time MLS points record in the process. Also, he won the 2021 MLS Comeback Player of the Year. Another great selection for the MLS Best XI.

Joao Paulo Mior

He dominated the center of the pitch the hole season and led the Seattle Sounders FC to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Paulo´s two goals are in contention for the AT&T 5G Goal of the Year.

Hany Mukhtar

In his first full season with the Nashville SC, Mukhtar scored 16 goals and give 12 assists, and helped his team to tied an all-time league record for fewest losses in a regular season at four.

Defenders

Miles Robinson

After winning nearly 70 percent of aerial duels in the season, the Atlanta United player was fundamental for his team. This is the second time he is on the MLS Best XI.

Yeimar

The Seattle Sounders FC defender headlined a suffocating Seattle defense that allowed just 33 goals all season. His 86 interceptions accumulated on the year are then most in a single season since 2018. 

Walker Zimmerman

The 2021 Defender of the Year led Nashville FC to maintain his unbeaten streak in his house, the Nissan Stadium. Also he helped the US Soccer Team to win the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. 

Goalkeeper

Matt Turner

The New England Revolution player and 2021 Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year achieved 17 wins in 28 matches. This is his first MLS Best XI selection.