Ask any expert or past winner of MLS fantasy soccer, and they’re likely to tell you the same thing – Your midfielders are the ones who win or lose you contests.
Since picking the right ones is vital, I’ve assembled a list of the 10 most scout-worthy picks ahead of the 2025 MLS season. These are the midfielders that you’ll want on your team.
Top 10 MLS Midfielders for Fantasy Soccer in 2025
10. Carles Gil (New England Revolution)
There aren’t many players in the MLS with greater skill on the ball or more accurate passing than Carles Gil. Since joining the MLS in 2019, his reputation has grown consistently. Let’s see how committed Gil is this season. But I recommend keeping your eyes firmly fixed on him.
9. Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)
Hany Mukhtar was one of the most exciting young talents in German football. This brought him to the attention of Nashville SC. He’s built a strong career here. Last season was good, but not sensational for Mukhtar. Can he turn it around this season? Quite possibly!
8. Djordje Mihailovic (Colorado Rapids)
Djordje Mihailovic had a strong 2024 season. The American, who started his career at the Chicago Fire, contributed 11 goals and 10 assists. Mihailovic is one of the best midfielders in MLS fantasy football. Let’s see how well he lives up to his immense potential.
7. Emil Forsberg (NY Red Bulls)
Emil Forsberg joined the MLS last season and quickly helped the team to a historic MLS final. The result didn’t go the team’s way, but Forsberg’s potential and drive are clear. The Swedish midfielder may be a relatively expensive choice for the 2025 MLS soccer season. But he’s worth the effort.
6. Luciano Acosta (FC Dallas)
Luciano Acosta is one of the most exciting talents in the MLS. He’s not always lived up to that potential, sure. But a transfer to a new club, from FC Cincinnati to FC Dallas, could spell the start of something special. Consider Acosta for your fantasy football draft.
5. Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC)
Wilfried Zaha has been a star at every team for which he’s played ever since his days as a Manchester United youngster. Joining the MLS is an exciting proposition and Zaha looks up for the challenge. Yes, Charlotte FC will need all the help that they can get. But Zaha, a rather expensive fantasy soccer choice, can excel.
4. Santiago Rodriguez (New York City FC)
Santiago Rodriguez has grown from one of the most impressive youth players in the Uruguay set-up to one of the very best midfielders in the MLS. New York City FC will have a lot of work to become the top team in the league, ahead of rivals Red Bulls, and Rodriguez can play a great role in this.
3. Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy)
Gabriel Pec was signed in early January of 2024 on a five-year deal as the Young Designated Player for LA Galaxy. This is the kind of faith that the club has in the youngster. The Brazilian scored 19 goals and provided 15 assists in 2024. Pec is a sensational player and you should consider him for the fantasy soccer team.
2. Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United FC)
Miguel Almiron is one of the best players that the MLS has produced in recent years. This is what brought him to the attention of Premier League’s Newcastle. MLS fans will be excited about Almiron’s return to Atlanta United. How good of a choice can he be in fantasy soccer this season? The sky’s the limit.
1. Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy)
Riqui Puig decided to leave FC Barcelona for the allure of the MLS. Eyebrows were raised. But Puig became the top midfielder in 2024 MLS fantasy football. There are no midfielders in competing leagues who make more attacking contributions than Puig. That’s why he is my top pick for the 2025 fantasy soccer MLS season.
