This was a topic on the Dec. 21 edition of Soccer Down Here and our friend Dylan Butler contributed to the discussion. For the 2021 season, here's our MLS Underrated XI:
GOALKEEPER Carlos Coronel, NY Red Bulls 13 clean sheets in 2021 for Coronel which earned him a permanent move to New Jersey. That total was tied for the league lead, but Coronel was rarely mentioned among the best in MLS at his position. Reserves: William Yarbrough, Colorado; Brad Stuver, Austin
FULLBACKS Ryan Hollingshead, FC Dallas Brandon Bye, New England
Two players that have been converted over the years to outside back, but who have embraced the position completely. Both players are solid defensively, but also get forward to contribute. Reserves: DeJuan Jones, New England; Andy Najar, DC
CENTER BACKS Jack Elliott, Philadelphia Andrew Farrell, New England
Farrell is a converted RB who has made a home at the heart of New England's backline, while Elliott was a 4th Round SuperDraft pick who has become a perfect fit in Philadelphia. Reserves: Sean Nealis, NY Red Bulls; Mamadou Fall, LAFC
HOLDING MIDFIELD
Sean Davis, NY Red Bulls Jack Price, Colorado
Davis is a central midfielder who is in demand now as a free agent. Price started to get the attention he deserved ahead of the Rapids' playoff match, he was one of the best in set piece delivery in MLS in 2021.
Reserves: Matt Polster, New England; Everton Luiz, RSL
ATTACKING MIDFIELD
Djordje Mihailovic, Montreal
Mihailovic set a new club record for assists in a season and led MLS in the category for 2021. He's an outstanding playmaker and his trade from Chicago to Montreal ahead of last season has to be looked at even more strangely from the Fire perspective. Reserve: Memo Rodriguez, Houston
WINGERS Diego Fagundez, Austin Fabian Herbers, Chicago
Two players who do play their fair share out wide but can really play anywhere across a front line. Fagundez and Herbers have both had some dips in form in their career, which maybe has led to overlooking their strong play in 2021. Reserves: Maikel Chang, RSL; Silvester van der Water, Orlando
STRIKER
Brian White, Vancouver
In some years, this can be a really tough decision because most strikers get rated properly if they are performing. However, White gets the nod in 2021 because his double digit goal scoring season caught everyone by surprise.
Reserves: Teal Bunbury, Nashville; Andre Shinyashiki, Colorado
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