Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 31. Emil Forsberg

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Emil Forsberg came over to MLS with massive expectations on the heels of an extended national career with Sweden and a 325-appearance run with Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. He lived up to those expectations and more when it came to the postseason. The New York Red Bulls were absolutely not a popular pick to make it all the way to MLS Cup and Forsberg's importance in that cannot be understated. He began to pick up momentum and contributed to the attack throughout the season in his 24 appearances.

Forsberg scored his first MLS goal in a 2-1 win over FC Dallas and assisted the other goal as well. He scored during a dramatic 2-2 draw early in the season. He put a brace past Charlotte FC in a 3-1 May win. The Red Bulls finished in seventh place in the Eastern Conference and did not stand out in one particular area too much. The team finished with 14 draws and picked up a reputation for tying matches. Forsberg scored a brace on Decision Day against Columbus to set up a rematch in the playoffs. A shocking sweep led by a goal and assist for Forsberg pushed the Red Bulls further. After beating NYCFC and Orlando City, the cinderella run ended at the pinnacle, MLS Cup 2024.

In a number of different categories, Forsberg showed his quality. He scored at 0.45 goals per 90, a very high clip. He also served as the creator, with over two chances created every match on average. He completed 1.9 dribbles per 90, among the best numbers for attacking midfielders in the league. He did not shy away from shots either, cracking 2.45 attempts a game. Red Bulls fans could not have dreamed of nearly winning the cup in his very first season at the club, but they came oh so close. Forsberg comes in at No. 31.

31) EMIL FORSBERG | MID, RBNY | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

0.45 GOALS PER 90 (97%)

2.45 SHOTS PER 90 (95%)

1.9 SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES PER 90 (97%)

2.05 CHANCES CREATED PER 90 (92%)