Bonus Points: The 15 most improved players in MLS Fantasy

Two-thirds of the 2016 season is already in the books, so you may not remember who the hottest players were in the opening rounds. It’s even easier to lose track of the players that started off slowly, but have come into form in the last few weeks. This week, we’re going to take a look at the players that have improved their points-per- 90 production the most between Rounds 1-11 and Rounds 12-23. I’ve also included the number of minutes that each has played over the last five fantasy rounds, so that you have a feel for how much rest and rotation has happened recently:

Most Improved Players:

(Matches were excluded where the player played less than 45 minutes and also scored less than five points)

After making his way back into the starting lineup in Round 14, Roland Alberg ($8.5) came out of the blocks at full speed, scoring six goals in five matches. Since then, he’s cooled off considerably, but the garbage-time goal against New England Revolution last week shows that he’s still capable of contributing, even from the bench.

Jozy Altidore ($9.4) hit an absolute laser of a goal at BBVA that is up for AT&T MLS Goal of the Week. He’s been eased back into the lineup, and even with limited minutes, he’s scored three goals and an assist in Toronto FC’s last four matches.

Marlon Hairston ($5.4) has emerged as a key commodity in MLS Fantasy: a cheap defender that’s playing in an attacking role. This means that not only is he likely to get goals and assists, but he’s also eligible for the Rapids’ clean sheet bonuses. If you haven’t picked him up yet, bring him in after Colorado’s Round 25 bye.

Best Form (Rounds 12-23):

Some of the recent fantasy studs have been consistently producing week after week, and it’s no surprise to see Sebastian Giovinco ($13.6) top the list. The man produces hat tricks at will, and has scored 68 points in only his last five matches.

Kaká ($11.4) and Kevin Molino ($8.8) are deadly… when they’re healthy. Kaká has started three games straight, and Molino was brought in as a late substitute last weekend, so I’m expecting both to be available for their tough road match-up against the Colorado Rapids.

Note the number of midfielders on this list: Sasha Kljestan ($12.7), Ignacio Piatti ($11.4), Diego Valeri ($11.2), Stephen Gerrard ($10.7), Chris Pontius ($7.7), Mauro Diaz ($11.3), and even Christian Maidana ($9.1) are all producing more than seven points per 90 minutes played. If you’re putting more than three defenders in your lineup, you’re risking missing out on the higher scores available in the midfield.

Who’s your most improved player for the season? Let us know in the comments, and as always, best of luck this week!