Best Strikers in the MLS (Mar 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Score
Market Overview: MLS Strikers 2025-26
Our database tracks 34 MLS Strikers in the 2025-26 season, representing 26 clubs with a combined market value of €136.0M. The average market value for MLS Strikers is €4.0M, with the average age at 29.1 years old.
The most valuable striker in the MLS is Emmanuel Latte Lath, worth €18.0M and playing for Atlanta United FC at 27 years old. The top 5 Strikers average €11.1M in market value, including Kévin Denkey and Hugo Cuypers.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked striker is Kevin Kelsy (21 years, Portland Timbers, €4.0M), while the oldest is Luis Suárez (39 years, Inter Miami CF, €1.8M). Research shows Strikers typically peak at age 26.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 7 Strikers (21%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Strikers remains actively developing with emerging talent in the 2025-26 season.
💡 Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Explore Market Size by Position in MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Strikers. Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 26 clubs with €136.0M combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Strikers
The MLS ST market shows 4 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (14 players, 41% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €59.5M, averaging €6.0M per player.
Top Strikers by Age Bracket
21-23 Years (2 players)
24-26 Years (8 players)
27-29 Years (10 players)
30+ Years (14 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 4 Strikers (12% of players) control €48.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 3% of the MLS ST pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Strikers
Among 26 MLS clubs, Atlanta United FC leads with 2 Strikers worth €18.4M (averaging €9.2M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 41% of tracked Strikers.
Atlanta United FC (2 Strikers)
FC Cincinnati (2 Strikers)
San Jose Earthquakes (2 Strikers)
Chicago Fire FC (1 Strikers)
Player Rankings
Ranked by APE Strength Score. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Emmanuel Latte Lath
Atlanta United FC • 27 years old
€19.0M
€18.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €15.8M
71.1
Kévin Denkey
FC Cincinnati • 25 years old
€12.1M
€14.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €13.7M
68.3
Hugo Cuypers
Chicago Fire FC • 29 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.5M
59.1
Cristian Arango
San Jose Earthquakes • 30 years old
€9.7M
€7.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.2M
56.9
Sam Surridge
Nashville SC • 27 years old
€7.4M
€7.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €6.1M
55.8
Thomas Müller
Vancouver Whitecaps FC • 36 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.3M
54.8
Kelvin Yeboah
Minnesota United FC • 25 years old
€5.2M
€6.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.9M
54.2
Petar Musa
FC Dallas • 28 years old
€7.7M
€6.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €5.3M
53.9
Wessam Abou Ali
Columbus Crew • 27 years old
€6.3M
€6.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €5.3M
53.8
Dejan Joveljić
Sporting Kansas City • 26 years old
€4.8M
€5.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.7M
52.6
Rwan Cruz
Real Salt Lake City • 24 years old
€4.3M
€5.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €5.1M
52.4
Ezequiel Ponce
Houston Dynamo FC • 28 years old
€6.5M
€5.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €4.4M
51.7
Kevin Kelsy
Portland Timbers • 21 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.4M
48.9
Brenner
FC Cincinnati • 26 years old
€3.5M
€4.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €4.1M
48.7
Mikael Uhre
Philadelphia Union • 31 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.5M
42.0
Marcus Ingvartsen
San Diego FC • 30 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.5M
41.9
Cedric Teuchert
St. Louis CITY SC • 29 years old
€3.9M
€3.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.5M
41.8
Jonathan Rodríguez
Portland Timbers • 32 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.2M
39.9
Leonardo Campana
New England Revolution • 25 years old
€2.2M
€2.5M
+15.6%
Expected: €2.4M
39.7
João Klauss
St. Louis CITY SC • 29 years old
€3.2M
€2.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €2.1M
39.6
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
FC Cincinnati's Kévin Denkey at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 2.80×. That means Kévin Denkey is valued 2.80× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket—representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Minnesota United FC's Kelvin Yeboah, who is 25 years old, with a 1.20× PPVE. Third is Kevin Kelsy of Portland Timbers, who is 21 years old with a 1.00× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 2.80× means the player is worth 180% more than typical players their age—making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kévin Denkey FC Cincinnati | 25 | 24-26 | €14.0M | €5.0M | 2.80× |
| #2 | Kelvin Yeboah Minnesota United FC | 25 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €5.0M | 1.20× |
| #3 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | 21 | 21-23 | €4.0M | €4.0M | 1.00× |
| #4 | Rwan Cruz Real Salt Lake City | 24 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €5.0M | 1.00× |
| #5 | Leonardo Campana New England Revolution | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €5.0M | 0.50× |
| #6 | Osaze De Rosario Seattle Sounders FC | 24 | 24-26 | €750K | €5.0M | 0.15× |
| #7 | Jules-Anthony Vilsaint Toronto FC | 23 | 21-23 | €500K | €4.0M | 0.13× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Portland Timbers's Kevin Kelsy at 21 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +30%. That means Kevin Kelsy is projected to appreciate 30% as they reach their peak age in 5 years—representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Toronto FC's Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, who is 23 years old, with a +20% RPP (3 years to peak). Third is Osaze De Rosario of Seattle Sounders FC, who is 24 years old with a +14% RPP (2 years to peak).
How RPP is calculated: RPP compares a player's current market value to their forecasted peak value, calculating the percentage appreciation potential. A 30% RPP means the player is expected to gain 30% value as they enter their prime—making them excellent growth investments.
Recovery Potential by Player
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | 21 | 5 | €4.0M | €5.7M | +30% |
| #2 | Jules-Anthony Vilsaint Toronto FC | 23 | 3 | €500K | €622K | +20% |
| #3 | Osaze De Rosario Seattle Sounders FC | 24 | 2 | €750K | €867K | +14% |
| #4 | Rwan Cruz Real Salt Lake City | 24 | 2 | €5.0M | €5.8M | +14% |
| #5 | Kévin Denkey FC Cincinnati | 25 | 1 | €14.0M | €15.1M | +7% |
| #6 | Kelvin Yeboah Minnesota United FC | 25 | 1 | €6.0M | €6.5M | +7% |
| #7 | Leonardo Campana New England Revolution | 25 | 1 | €2.5M | €2.7M | +7% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Portland Timbers's Kevin Kelsy has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 33.7. That means Kevin Kelsy has 10% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty—representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Toronto FC's Jules-Anthony Vilsaint with a 27.5 RAU (7% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Dejan Joveljić of Sporting Kansas City with a 12.0 RAU (3% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 33.7 means the upside is 33.7× greater than the uncertainty—making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | €4.4M | €3.8M-5.0M | +10% | 33.7 |
| #2 | Jules-Anthony Vilsaint Toronto FC | €535K | €471K-600K | +7% | 27.5 |
| #3 | Dejan Joveljić Sporting Kansas City | €5.7M | €5.0M-6.3M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #4 | Brenner FC Cincinnati | €4.1M | €3.6M-4.6M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #5 | Milan Iloski Philadelphia Union | €1.9M | €1.6M-2.1M | +3% | 12.0 |
| #6 | Osaze De Rosario Seattle Sounders FC | €768K | €676K-860K | +2% | 9.8 |
| #7 | Rwan Cruz Real Salt Lake City | €5.1M | €4.5M-5.7M | +2% | 9.8 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: striker position shows weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Orlando City SC's Luis Muriel in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +-17.3%. That means Cristian Arango captures 23.8% of total market value while representing only 41.2% of players in their age group—showing dominant elite status.
In second is San Jose Earthquakes's Josef Martínez with a +-17.3% ASC (23.8% value share vs 41.2% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Diego Rubio of Austin FC with a +-17.3% ASC (23.8% value vs 41.2% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +-17.3% ASC means the player captures -17.3% more market value than their numerical representation—indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Luis Muriel Orlando City SC | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #2 | Josef Martínez San Jose Earthquakes | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #3 | Diego Rubio Austin FC | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #4 | Christian Ramirez Los Angeles Galaxy | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #5 | Jamal Thiaré Atlanta United FC | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #6 | Cristian Arango San Jose Earthquakes | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #7 | Mikael Uhre Philadelphia Union | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #8 | Marcus Ingvartsen San Diego FC | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #9 | Jonathan Rodríguez Portland Timbers | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #10 | Khiry Shelton Sporting Kansas City | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #11 | Luis Suárez Inter Miami CF | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #12 | Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting New York Red Bulls | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #13 | Christian Benteke D.C. United | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #14 | Thomas Müller Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 30+ | 23.8% | 41.2% | -17.3% |
| #15 | Cedric Teuchert St. Louis CITY SC | 27-29 | 43.8% | 29.4% | +14.4% |
| #16 | Ezequiel Ponce Houston Dynamo FC | 27-29 | 43.8% | 29.4% | +14.4% |
| #17 | Giacomo Vrioni CF Montréal | 27-29 | 43.8% | 29.4% | +14.4% |
| #18 | Petar Musa FC Dallas | 27-29 | 43.8% | 29.4% | +14.4% |
| #19 | Emmanuel Latte Lath Atlanta United FC | 27-29 | 43.8% | 29.4% | +14.4% |
| #20 | Sam Surridge Nashville SC | 27-29 | 43.8% | 29.4% | +14.4% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use: "Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets. "Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months. "Peak" = pay premium for proven performers. "Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 0 immediate targets, 2 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 15 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
No players in this category
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €5.5M. 0 undervalued, 1 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Giacomo Vrioni CF Montréal | €1.0M | €3.0M | -1.50 | Good Value |
Ezequiel Ponce Houston Dynamo FC | €5.0M | €3.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Thomas Müller Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €6.0M | €3.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Jules-Anthony Vilsaint Toronto FC | €500K | €3.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Christian Ramirez Los Angeles Galaxy | €300K | €3.0M | -0.88 | Good Value |
Jamal Thiaré Atlanta United FC | €400K | €3.0M | -0.82 | Good Value |
Khiry Shelton Sporting Kansas City | €400K | €3.0M | -0.82 | Good Value |
Osaze De Rosario Seattle Sounders FC | €750K | €3.0M | -0.80 | Good Value |
Diego Rubio Austin FC | €800K | €3.0M | -0.59 | Good Value |
Ignatius Ganago New England Revolution | €2.0M | €3.0M | -0.50 | Fair Value |
Luis Muriel Orlando City SC | €1.2M | €3.0M | -0.35 | Fair Value |
Milan Iloski Philadelphia Union | €1.8M | €3.0M | -0.32 | Fair Value |
Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting New York Red Bulls | €1.5M | €3.0M | -0.18 | Fair Value |
Rwan Cruz Real Salt Lake City | €5.0M | €3.0M | -0.12 | Fair Value |
Dejan Joveljić Sporting Kansas City | €5.5M | €3.0M | -0.06 | Fair Value |
Cristian Arango San Jose Earthquakes | €7.5M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Petar Musa FC Dallas | €6.0M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Emmanuel Latte Lath Atlanta United FC | €18.0M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Wessam Abou Ali Columbus Crew | €6.0M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |
Luis Suárez Inter Miami CF | €1.8M | €3.0M | 0.00 | Fair Value |