Hany Mukhtar, Thiago Almada, and Denis Bouanga are among the top attacking players in MLS and all three will pair together this summer in the 2023 MLS All-Star Game.
The attacking trio were all named to the 26-player list for the MLS All-Star Game against English Premier League giants Arsenal on July 19 at Audi Field, with the league unveiling the selections on Tuesday. A total of seven players named to Wayne Rooney’s roster currently represent the U.S. men’s national team with Jesus Ferreira, Jordan Morris, and Walker Zimmerman headlining the USMNT contingent.
The squad is made up of players selected by voting from fans, media and players, players chosen specifically by DC United head coach Rooney — who is coaching the MLS All-Stars — and two selections by MLS commissioner Don Garber (Kei Kamara and Mathieu Choiniere).
The players voted in by fans, media and players included Mukhtar, Bouanga, Almada, Morris, and Aidan Morris.
Rooney’s selections included his current players Tyler Miller and Christian Benteke, as well as new league arrivals Giorgos Giakoumakis and Hector Herrera.
The 2022 MLS All-Stars defeated a Liga MX All-Star Team 2-1 at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota last summer.
Here is the full squad for the MLS All-Star Game:
2023 MLS ALL-STAR TEAM
GOALKEEPERS: Tyler Miller (DC United), Djordje Petrovic (New England Revolution), Roman Burki (St. Louis CITY SC).
DEFENDERS: Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC), Matt Miazga (FC Cincinnati), Ryan Hollingshead (LAFC), Tim Parker (St. Louis CITY SC), John Tolkin (New York Red Bulls), Jon Gallagher (Austin FC), Alvaro Barreal (FC Cincinnati).
MIDFIELDERS: Aidan Morris (Columbus Crew), Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Jose Martinez (Philadelphia Union), Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati), Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy), Mathieu Choiniere (CF Montreal), Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo).
FORWARDS: Denis Bouanga (LAFC), Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Christian Benteke (DC United), Georgos Gioukamakis (Atlanta United), Kei Kamara (Chicago Fire), Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes).