Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 16. Djordje Mihailovic

Link to Rankings Hub

Djordje Mihailovic made his return to MLS after a brief move to AZ Alkmaar. The former Chicago Fire and CF Montreal midfielder was top class, but he returned as an upgraded version, even from his fabulous 2021 season. It was a career year for the American attacking mid in 2024. He went double-digits in the categories of goals and assists, tallying 14 and 11, respectively. The Colorado Rapids debuted a completely revamped team from the offseason and it went quite well for them. The club was in a much better position earlier in the season, but ended up falling all the way to seventh in the West. The defensive woes were too much to overcome, as the Rapids were the single team in the league to both score and concede 60 goals apiece.

The 26-year-old reintroduced himself at the end of March in a huge 3-2 victory against LAFC. He scored a brace after the 83rd minute and assisted the opening goal as well. His breakout came in May and June, embarking on a seven-game stretch that included seven goals and two assists. His best game of the year was a hat trick performance on the road in St. Louis where he scored every goal of the match. His 90'+4 winner beat Sporting Kansas City in July. He took a brief break to play in the Paris Olympics and scored two goals during that excursion. He assisted both goals in a 2-1 September victory over Portland. In the end, Colorado was not able to fend off the red hot LA Galaxy in the postseason.

Mihailovic had phenomenal stats throughout the year. He was on target with his crosses 2.63 times per 90 and created over three chances a game. He ended with 14 assists and averaged 0.33 xA per game. He also won 89.5% of his tackles, just a truly absurd number for an attacking midfielder. His passing numbers were some of the best at his position and he was a legit goal scorer as well. He transformed his game upon his return to the league in a brand-new role. The Rapids only really changed anything at the back during the offseason, so he will go back to work with the same crew in 2025. Mihailovic comes in at No. 16.

16) DJORDJE MIHAILOVIC | MID, COL | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

2.63 SUCCESSFUL CROSSES PER 90 (98%)

3.08 CHANCES CREATED PER 90 (96%)

0.33 xA PER 90 (96%)

89.5% TACKLES WON (93%)