Top-Scoring defensive midfielders in Major League Soccer 2026

At a glance

A. Mehmeti of New York Red Bulls is the standout for raw talent across defensive midfielders in Major League Soccer, with a Field Insider Rating of 53.4, and T. Muyumba has been the form player this season, grading 47.7.

The numbers a scout watches are the year-on-year jumps: N. Caliskan has improved his Season rating most, up +41.4 on last season. Those are the players whose trajectory is bending upward fastest.

By our market-value index, T. Jacob of Atlanta United FC is the most valuable name in this group at 13.4.

Best talent

A. Mehmeti53.4RTG

New York Red Bulls

In form

T. Muyumba47.7SsN

Atlanta United FC

Rising potential

N. Caliskan+6.1RTG

Real Salt Lake · 24/25→25/26

Most improved

N. Caliskan+41.4SsN

Real Salt Lake · 24/25→25/26

Top scorer

T. Muyumba4goals

Atlanta United FC

Most valuable

T. Jacob13.4val

Atlanta United FC