Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 20. Petar Musa

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FC Dallas took the risk of dropping $10m on a star striker and it seems to have worked. Petar Musa arrived from Benfica on a club-record deal that saw his expectations set sky-high. In the end, he did what he was brought in to do, score goals. FC Dallas did not have a very happy year in 2024 and Musa was one of the very few bright spots. Jesus Ferreira dropped off a cliff production-wise and scored just five goals. The attack was lacking and the defense leaked goals, leading Dallas to an 11th place finish, far away from the playoff picture.

Musa is a true goal-scorer, he always seems to be in the right position to pounce on opportunities. He scored in his debut against CF Montreal, though the 2-1 loss was a sign of things to come down the stretch. He grabbed a goal in back-to-back games in April. A goal and assist led his team over in-state rivals Austin FC in May. He followed that up with another tally against the other Texas team days later. Musa's best moment for Dallas was his hat trick against Minnesota United. His triple carried his side to a dramatic 5-3 victory. In July, he potted a goal in five consecutive games. Dallas hit a hot streak during this time, as they defeated Portland, LA Galaxy and Austin FC once again. On Decision Day, Musa closed the year with one more against Sporting Kansas City, earning him a goal in all three matches versus SKC.

The Croatian will link up with entirely new partners in 2025. Dallas brought in Leo Chu for a chance at a resurgence after sending Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola to the Seattle Sounders. Anderson Julio also arrived from Real Salt Lake after a fairly solid season. Bernard Kamungo and Logan Farrington hope to contribute as well. Dallas made a few pickups elsewhere, but nothing extremely team-altering. Musa has been linked elsewhere with a potential return to Europe in the cards down the line, but he will remain leading the line at Toyota Stadium for the time being. He is the kind of player that can increase his goal tally to 20 in 2025. Musa comes in at No. 20.

20) PETAR MUSA | FWD, DAL | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

16 GOALS

61.5% AERIAL DUELS WON (97%)

0.63 GOALS PER 90 (84%)

0.94 ACCURATE LONG BALLS PER 90 (85%)