Diego Valeri named to MLS Best XI

The MLS announced yesterday that midfielder Diego Valeri has been named to the MLS’ Best XI which recognizes the top players at each position on the field. It’s voted on by the media, MLS players, and technical staff.

This will mark the third time Valeri has made the MLS Best XI in his five seasons with the Timbers. Previously, he earned the honors in 2013 and 2014. Also in 2013, he earned the “Newcomer Of The Year” award.

The 31 year-old Argentinian had a record setting season in 2017. He led the team in goals, assists and became the first midfielder in the league to score 20 or more goals over the course of a season. He also became the second player in the MLS history to reach 20 goals and 10 assists in a single season.

To say 2017 was good for Diego Valeri, would be an understatement.

Here’s the full list of the MLS Best XI:

Goalkeeper: Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City)

Defenders: Justin Morrow (Toronto FC), Ike Opara (Sporting Kansas City), Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)

Midfielders: Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United), Víctor Vázquez (Toronto FC), Diego Valeri (Portland Timbers)

Forwards: Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), Josef Martínez (Atlanta United), Nemanja Nikolić (Chicago Fire), David Villa (New York City FC)

Valeri is of course one of five players that are up for the 2017 Landon Donovan MVP award, which is to be announced on Monday.