Miguel Almiron has scored two and assisted on four of Atlanta United’s 17 goals this season. Whether it’s through statistics or just an eye test, the offensive impact of the team’s highest paid player feels obvious. However, in the center of Tata Martino’s midfield, Almiron may be having just as big an impact defensively. The 23-year-old is the Paraguayan God of ball recoveries.
For clarification, sports data and MLS stats provider Opta has labeled recoveries as “Where a player wins back the ball when it has gone loose.” Any ball in possession purgatory, not controlled by either team, must be recovered by someone on the pitch.