Denis Bouanga, Thiago Almada and Lucho Acosta, finalists for MVP of the 2023 MLS season

Three players have been shortlisted for the Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player for the MLS 2023 season award.

Bryan ArellanoBryxn_APaul Reidypaulreidy67Estados UnidosUpdate: Oct 26th, 2023 17:36 EDT

Major League Soccer have announced the three finalists who will compete to win the Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player of the 2023 season award and as expected there were few surprises as Dénis Bouanga (LAFC), ‘Lucho’ Acosta (Cincinnati) and Thiago Almada (Atlanta United) were named in the shortlist trio.

Introducing the finalists for our 2023 MLS awards. 💯First up…who will win the Landon Donovan MVP award? pic.twitter.com/0WTsa3GnIt

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 26, 2023

MLS confirmed that the winners will be announced through the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Meet the finalists

Denis Bouanga

The Gabonese forward was a fundamental piece in helping LAFC to finish the 2023 MLS regular season in third place in the Western Conference as he contributed a total of 20 goals and 7 assists in the 31 games he played. Now he will endeavour to play his role for Steve Cherundolo’s side as they prepare to face Vancouver Whitecaps in the playoffs in their quest to retain their MLS title.

Bouanga also ended up winning the Golden Boot by being the top scorer in the 2023 MLS regular season with the striker finding the net twenty times.

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The Gabonese forward Orlando RamirezUSA TODAY Sports

Thiago Almada

At 22 years of age, Thiago Almada has been a fundamental piece for Atlanta United’s aspirations, as the Argentine midfielder helped his team finish sixth in the Eastern Conference as the ‘Five Stripes’ bagged a place in the playoffs, where they will face the Columbus Crew in the first round 1.