Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 58. Asier Illarramendi

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Asier Illarramendi was the class of FC Dallas during a subpar season for the club. The 34-year-old Spanish midfielder spent two years with Real Madrid and is capped by Spain, so his ability is unsurprising, even at his age. Illarramendi is now a free agent, but his 42 games in Texas were a success. He brought a calming presence to a midfield that often desperately needed it and played an important leadership role. He was a distributor and contributed to clogging the midfield defensively as well.

In the opening match of the season, Illara showed out with an unreal performance in every aspect against San Jose, highlighted by an incredible volley. He completed four crosses and long balls each, sent 13 passes into the final third and recovered a whopping 14 balls in that match. In a 3-3 draw with RSL, he added another goal and assist, though the goal was not exactly intended. He assisted Liam Fraser in Minnesota in June. On Decision Day, he closed out the season and perhaps his FC Dallas career on a strong note, setting up Petar Musa with a beautiful ball played into feet.

Illarramendi was at the center of it all for his team when he graced the pitch. He averaged 88 touches per game, meaning that the ball was in his possession all the time. He completed over 64 passes per 90 with those touches as he helped Dallas build up out of the midfield. He completed half of his crosses, a strong number for a central midfielder. On the defensive side of things, he still had a quick step in him to intercept balls and block shots. He recovered 7.23 balls per 90 as well. Illarramendi comes in at No. 58.

58) ASIER ILLARRAMENDI | MID, DAL | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

64.3 SUCCESSFUL PASSES PER 90 (92%)

50% CROSS ACCURACY (90%)

88.2 TOUCHES PER 90 (92%)

7.23 RECOVERIES PER 90 (94%)