In 2016, Cristian Roldan settled into a role as Seattle Sounders FC’s “other defensive midfielder.” No longer was he played as a right mid, except in dire circumstances. Instead, he started alongside Osvaldo Alonso. The Husky and California native became part of a midfield that forced any and all attackers wide, because facing both Alonso and Roldan is a nightmare.
The ranking is based on several hundred Sounder at Heart readers’ votes. Realio rated every single MLS regular season and playoff game as well as the two CONCACAF Champions League matches.