Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 25. Dejan Joveljic

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Dejan Joveljic is headed to Sporting Kansas City after a career year with LA Galaxy. The $4m transfer is set to be the first cash deal under the new MLS rules. In 2024, Joveljic dominated at the striker position for the best team in the league and the MLS Cup champions. He blew away his previous scoring record thanks to an improved roster with an incredible attack. Heading into the last year of his deal, the Galaxy were right up against the salary cap and had to move on from him because that is what it takes to win in Major League Soccer.

The Austrian striker started about as red hot as possible in 2024, so much so that he made history. He scored against Inter Miami in the opening game and finished off a run of five consecutive games with a goal against his new club. He tied Brian McBride's 1998 Columbus Crew record of scoring in each of the opening five matches. Joveljic scored a brace against FC Dallas in a 3-1 May victory. He also registered a goal and assist against SKC later on, so the club has witnessed exactly what he's capable of. In El Trafico, he scored another brace to beat LAFC 4-2. He added two more doubles against Colorado and Minnesota in the playoffs, before scoring the winner in the Western Conference Final. His tally in MLS Cup held up as the championship clincher and secured his 21st goal of the year.

Joveljic will forever be ingrained into the LA Galaxy history books and will be loved by the team's fans. His fourth season was by far his best with the team. He was great in 2022, but had a real off year with just six goals in 2023. The team made a roaring comeback in 2024 led by the new firepower in the attack. Joveljic scored 0.81 goals per 90 and averaged 0.63 non-penalty xG a game. He also created 1.58 chances per 90 with the help of Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec on either wing. If Joveljic can keep up his form from last season, Children's Mercy Park may see a return to attacking glory. Joveljic comes in at No. 25.

25) DEJAN JOVELJIC | FWD, LA | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

21 GOALS

0.81 GOALS PER 90 (94%)

0.63 NON-PENALTY xG PER 90 (92%)

1.58 CHANCES CREATED PER 90 (87%)