Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 55. James Sands

Link to Rankings Hub

James Sands is headed on loan to Bundesliga side St. Pauli after a quality 2024 season in the center of midfield for NYCFC. The move is his second loan to Europe, with the first being a 41-match stint with Rangers in Scotland. Sands played three full MLS seasons before the Rangers loan and two afterwards. His most recent campaign was his statistically his best. He started all 33 games that he appeared in and amassed nearly 3,000 minutes. He was the model of consistency and is one of the best defensive midfielders MLS has seen in recent years.

Sands scored one goal and assisted four on the season. His lone goal was an important one that pushed the team towards the playoffs. In front of 44,738 fans at Yankee Stadium, Sands rose above and headed home a 90'+5 equalizer to salvage a point. The goal came with just 20 seconds to spare and sent the iconic stadium into a frenzy. In June, Sands advanced the ball into the attack and played Monsef Bakrar, who cut inside and scored a capper.

In the duels category, very few midfielders can compete with Sands. He wins over 61% of his duels and wins just under two aerial duels per 90. He was also just under the two tackles per game mark in 2024. He recovered seven balls per 90 on average and intercepted 1.7 passes. He has experience at the center back position because of his defensive prowess, though he's much better in the midfield. He also is dispossessed only 0.34 times per 90, an impressive number at his position, and has a 77% dribble success rate. Sands comes in at No. 55.

55) JAMES SANDS | MID, NYC | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

1.79 AERIAL DUELS WON PER 90 (95%)

61.1% DUELS WON (94%)

77.3% DRIBBLE SUCCESS (90%)

7 RECOVERIES PER 90 (91%)