MLS
Denis Bouanga, Thiago Almada and Lucho Acosta, finalists for MVP of the 2023 MLS season
Three players have been shortlisted for the Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player for the MLS 2023 season award.
Major League Soccer have announced the three finalists who will compete to win the Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player of the 2023 season award and as expected there were few surprises as Dénis Bouanga (LAFC), ‘Lucho’ Acosta (Cincinnati) and Thiago Almada (Atlanta United) were named in the shortlist trio.
MLS confirmed that the winners will be announced through the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Meet the finalists
Denis Bouanga
The Gabonese forward was a fundamental piece in helping LAFC to finish the 2023 MLS regular season in third place in the Western Conference as he contributed a total of 20 goals and 7 assists in the 31 games he played. Now he will endeavour to play his role for Steve Cherundolo’s side as they prepare to face Vancouver Whitecaps in the playoffs in their quest to retain their MLS title.
Bouanga also ended up winning the Golden Boot by being the top scorer in the 2023 MLS regular season with the striker finding the net twenty times.
Thiago Almada
At 22 years of age, Thiago Almada has been a fundamental piece for Atlanta United’s aspirations, as the Argentine midfielder helped his team finish sixth in the Eastern Conference as the ‘Five Stripes’ bagged a place in the playoffs, where they will face the Columbus Crew in the first round 1.
Almada scored 11 goals and assisted 16 times during the 31 games of the 2023 regular season that he played.
Luciano Acosta
The ‘10′ and captain of Cincinnati, Luciano Acosta bagged 17 goals and provided 10 assists in the regular season, helping Pat Noonan’s team to finish leading the Eastern Conference and have been the team that secured the most points (69).
