Ten players to watch in the 2022 MLS season

Major League Soccer activity returns this weekend with the start of the 2022 season. In the run-up to the start of a new campaign, new stars have arrived in the North American league as Designated Players, others have changed teams or there are young players who are expected to become more established. Below, we review ten players to watch in MLS in 2022.

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Lorenzo Insigne

The Napoli captain and European champion with Italy will join Toronto in July 2022 at the end of the European season. Although he will not start, the Italian player will be in the spotlight as he arrives as a star player. Insigne has signed a pre-contract and his new destination is in the North American league. The signing will set a precedent in MLS transfers.

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernández

The 33-year-old Mexican will enter his third season with the Los Angeles Galaxy. After having a discreet first season due to injuries, last season he improved a lot and scored 17 times for the team coached by Greg Vanney, but it was not enough to qualify them. This season will be the challenge for Chicharito to justify why he is a Designated Player and lead the LA Galaxy to the postseason.

Carlos Vela

He is a former MLS MVP, a World Cup veteran, and, when healthy and committed, one of the best players in the league. Carlos Vela only made 20 appearances last season, but still recorded 10 direct appearances in goal, five goals, and five assists. 

If injuries respect the Mexican player, Carlos Vela is a real threat to any MLS team. If you don't have good memory recall his record of 34 goals in 31 regular-season games in 2019 as well as his five goals in five games to lead LAFC to the Concacaf Champions League final in 2020. 

Douglas Costa

The signing of the experienced Brazilian player has generated high expectations, as the former Bayern Munich and Juventus player will be a magnificent addition to the Angelina squad's attacking power. 

Although he comes from a season of failure with Gremio, the Brazilian team that was relegated to the second division, Douglas will have revenge to show why LA Galaxy has bet on this skilled player.

Kellyn Acosta

Kellyn Acosta came to LAFC to fill the void left by Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta's departure to Palmeiras. The experienced player has amassed 48 caps for the USMNT and has over 200 MLS appearances to his credit to date.

Acosta brings a wealth of experience, as well as quality on the ball, defensive cover, and a good dose of versatility.

Albert Rusnak

The Czech Republic-born but naturalized Slovakian played 5 seasons with Real Salt Lake where he scored 41 times and assisted on 39. The Slovakia international was unable to be retained by Salt Lake and Seattle moved in a big way to bolster their attack that will be to be feared for the 2022 season. If the player continues his consistency he will be a very quality addition and will make Seattle a serious contender this season.

Xherdan Shaquiri

Continuing with the important signings of the season, Xherdan Shaqiri became the star reinforcement for Chicago Fire. The Windy City club made a major bet as part of a restructuring to get back into contention for the top spots after they have been out of the playoffs since 2017. 

Everything Chicago can generate with the ball will depend on the magic the Swiss international can produce on the pitch. In his presentation, Shaqiri was clear that he is not on vacation and wants trophies.

Adam Buksa

New England Revolution forward Adam Buksa is one of the players who has attracted the most interest after what he has shown with Bruce Arena's team. The Polish center forward has 22 goals and six assists in 54 regular-season games played since arriving in MLS in 2020. 

The front three he forms with Carles Gil and Gustavo Bou has been instrumental to New England's success over the past two years. In 2021, the Revolution were the best team in the regular season, setting a record for points and winning the Supporters' Shield.

Ayo Akinola

Forward Ayo Akinola will look to shine under Bradley's tutelage. The Canadian youth player, who was born in the United States and actually represented the U.S. as a youth player, is coming off a difficult torn ligament injury during the Gold Cup last summer.

Now, the 22-year-old striker wants to be important in Toronto's squad after recovering. The club recently extended its contract until 2024, with an option for 2025. Akinola was one of the revelation players during the MLS is Back tournament in 2020, where he scored five goals in the group stage.

Ryan Gauld

The Canadian team changed coaches midway through the season and resurfaced under Italian coach Vanni Sartini. The midfield was dominated by Ryan Gauld in the second half of the tournament, marking a before and after for the team. 

The Scottish midfielder, who as a young prospect in his native Aberdeen was dubbed the Scottish Messi, has found a stage on which to shine with the Caps. Since his mid-season arrival in 2021, he has contributed four goals and six assists in 18 appearances to help the team secure a playoff spot. Now, as a Designated Player and with a contract extension through 2024, Gauld is the player to watch in Vancouver.

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