The 2024 MLS Aces All Star Team
It is MLS All Star time once again!!! That means that we here at MLS Aces are dropping our votes for a roster of 18 players to represent MLS at this year’s competition. This year we had MLS Aces members from present and past vote for an actual playable starting XI as well as a bench. Here is out votes for the MLS Aces 2024 MLS All Star Squad:
Goalkeeper: Matt Freese - New York City FC
The 25 year old Freese is enjoying a breakout season of his career. Freese has been a shot stopping machine for New York City recording 3 shutouts so far in 2024. Diving into the more advanced stats (thanks to American Soccer Analysis), Freese tops both the G-xG and G/xG charts for All Star eligible keepers.
Left-Back: Jordi Alba - Inter Miami CF
In a strong group of left-backs within Major League Soccer this season, Jordi Alba continues to prove his worth on both the offensive and defensive ends of the field. Alba has played roughly 1,200 minutes for Miami in MLS this season with 2 goals and 4 assists to his name.
Centerbacks: Miles Robinson - FC Cincinnati & Andrew Privett - Charlotte FC
Two of the better defensive squads in MLS get represented here by the centerback selections. Miles Robinson has been away for the last few games for Cincinnati due to him being selected for the U.S.A squad in Copa America. But, before his departure, Robinson has been great for Cincinnati as he’s totaled roughly 1,300 minutes across 14 games. Going from one queen city to another, Andrew Privett for Charlotte FC has quietly been a stud on arguably the league’s best backline. The 23 year old Privett has played 1,800 minutes for Charlotte… that is every single minute for the club.
Right-Back: Brooks Lennon - Atlanta United FC
For a long time in MLS, the right-back position was always stronger than left-back in terms of talent and on-field production. But in 2024… the right-back position is down bad. However, that does not mean that Brooks Lennon is not a deserving selection here. The 26 year old has 4 assists in roughly 1,700 MLS minutes for Atlanta.
Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets - Inter Miami CF
Another Inter Miami CF member gets the nod here on the MLS Aces All Star team. Sergio Busquets has been a constant figure with Jordi Alba in Miami line-ups in 2024. Busquets has played almost 1,600 MLS minutes for Miami, recording 1 goal and 4 assists in about 19 games. Busquets also added some quality minutes during Miami’s time in CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Central Midfielders: Lucho Acosta - FC Cincinnati & Riqui Puig - Los Angeles Galaxy
The 2023 MLS MVP is on fire once again in 2024. Lucho Acosta has led the reigning MLS Supporters’ Shield into being one of the top clubs within MLS once again. This season in MLS, Acosta has 9 goals and 14 assists, taking on even more production in CONCACAF Champions Cup. Again, taking a look at American Soccer Analysis’s website, Lucho leads all of MLS in their “Goals Added” category. The second midfielder on this “Goals Added” list is our second midfield selection… Riqui Puig. The 24 year old Puig has 11 goal contributions in 16 games this season.
Wingers: Lionel Messi - Inter Miami CF & Denis Bouanga - Los Angeles FC
Of course, the G.O.A.T, Lionel Messi makes this list. In 12 MLS games in 2024, Messi has 12 goals and 9 assists. If you want to add his numbers from CONCACAF Champions Cup, Messi has 15 games played with 14 goals and 11 assists. The man has been, still is, and will continue to be an absolute dominant game winner in soccer. The winger to go opposite of Messi is a former MLS MVP in Denis Bouanga. Bouanga’s goal contributions are pretty crazy too… 21 in 19 games. Bouanga continues to be one of the most dominant and scary things for defenders on a soccer field here in the U.S.
Striker: Cristian Arango - Real Salt Lake
Striker is such a difficult position to have picked from this season. There are so many big names producing at a high level… but none producing like RSL’s Arango. In 20 MLS games in 2024, Arango has scored 16 goals and added 5 assists as well. He is keeping the MVP race this season extremely competitive with the likes of himself, Messi, Bouanga, Lucho, and others all deserving of the award.
Bench: Kristian Khalina (GK) - Charlotte FC, Alexandros Katranis (LB) - Real Salt Lake, Justen Glad (CB) - Real Salt Lake, Emeka Eneli (DM) - Real Salt Lake, Evander (CM) - Portland Timbers, Emil Forsberg (WNG) - New York Red Bulls, Christian Benteke (ST) - D.C. United
