#4 Yeimar – 6.33 in 39 appearances
Community Rating: 6.28
MLS Regular Season: 6.27 in 30 appearances
MLS Playoffs: 7.33 in 3 appearances
US Open Cup: 6.00 in 2 appearances
Leagues Cup: 6.25 in 4 appearances
MOTM = 4 | High = 8 | Low = 4
It’s no surprise to see Yeimar at #4 in the 2024 ratings, as he again showed that he’s one of the best defenders in MLS. A perennially dominant defensive force, Yeimar is in his prime and shows it, in any competition and versus any opponent. His physical play is excellent, and so is his ability to work with the revolving door of players who show up on his right and in front of him. Yeimar came to every match and did what he does best: shut down half the field. This control of the back had knock on effects up and down the pitch.
Highlights: While Jackson Ragen got more national praise for his distribution and offensive support skills, Yeimar was really the best defender on the team. He played at a level as good or better than anyone else in the league. His speed, positioning, strength, and decision making were near-perfect, as Yeimar grew into the year with stronger and stronger play, continued pressure on the offensive side, and even scored a goal. Yeimar has solid defensive positioning and the speed to get back when he makes the rare mistake, which releases the Sounders right side to press high and support the offense. His ratings improved throughout the year, averaging 6.7 after June in all competitions. In the MLS Playoffs, Yeimar was huge, showing not only the defensive execution he is known for, but also hanging in the box on offensive set pieces. Earning MOTM against Houston in the first round illustrated this:
“Playoff Yeimar was in full effect, and he has been completely dominant the past few weeks. He somehow had almost as many stats as the entire defense around him combined: four tackles, four interceptions, six clearances, a shot, a key pass, and 13 passes into the final third. When Houston attempted to switch the field through the middle, it was constantly Yeimar who blocked their way, Yeimar who pushed the ball forward to the attackers, and Yeimar who completely denied Houston from quality chances on goal. Offensively, one of the best chances in the match was also from the Colombian, who had a deft first touch to cut away from the defense in the box in the 56th minute before offering a thundering shot that was blocked by Houston.” Against LAFC, Yeimar was injured while carrying Denis Bouanga around in his pocket; you gotta wonder whether we could have hoisted the MLS Cup if that injury hadn’t happened.
Lowlights: Yeimar did have the occasional poor outing. In June he was ingloriously subbed at halftime as Seattle trailed Houston by two goals on the road. Among other errors, he had a terrible central header that was immediately recycled into a goal behind him as he jogged back. In August, in a critical Leagues Cup loss to LAFC, I said this about his performance:
“Perhaps most indicative of Seattle’s poor play was the usually reliable Yeimar, who struggled to adjust to the defensive struggles on his right, and the increased need to support an overloaded center.
His poor passing choices which had been absent in a resurgent Leagues Cup resume returned, setting a poor tone with multiple turnovers in the first five minutes. Similar to some of Ragen’s struggles, and very reminiscent of the last few times we played LAFC, it was a Yeimar overcommitment high on defense that led to a 24th minute breakaway and eventual goal against.” At times, teams used Yeimar’s aggression against him, drawing the Sounder center back high and penetrating in behind where there is less speed. As in prior years, Yeimar had a penchant for seemingly random turnovers from misplaced passes. When asked to do more than he’s comfortable with, Yeimar can get careless with his distribution.
Outlook: At this point there’s no question: as long as he’s healthy, Yeimar is a starter, regardless of formation or personnel. Possessing the range, physical skills, and versatility to play in 3-, 4-, or 5-man backlines, look for Yeimar to feature in nearly every competition in 2025 and be a big factor in Seattle’s success. He is the best defender on a team full of elite defenders. He’s the main reason the Sounders defense perpetually leads the league. And there are no signs that he’s slowing down. In a list of Seattle’s best defensive players of all-time, Yeimar already ranks high, and he’s not done yet.
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#3 Albert Rusnák – 6.36 in 42 appearances
Community Rating: 6.27
MLS Regular Season: 6.47 in 32 appearances
MLS Playoffs: 5.67 in 3 appearances
US Open Cup: 5.50 in 2 appearances
Leagues Cup: 6.40 in 5 appearances
MOTM = 10 | High = 9 | Low = 5
Designated Player Albert Rusnák did it all in 2024, moving up to #3 overall, from #4 in 2023. He was MOTM 10 times (most on the team), made 42 appearances, and had 22 goal contributions and a controlled possession play that was essential to the Sounders’ success. He was frequently the metronome of central control that allowed Seattle both impregnable defensive shape and vertical offensive movement. Even with the chaotic personnel movement around him, the steady Rusnák slotted into the attacking midfield and played his game well every match. With a high ceiling that produced mostly excellent ratings, Rusnák also showcased his high floor, rarely having a poor game and continually creating through some of the best set piece delivery in the league. His control of the game flow and his distribution were essential to a Sounders team that had limited offense push for long stretches of play.
Highlights: While more known for consistent creation, Albert had a few massive games, the best being a 4-0 destruction of Pumas in Leagues Cup, earning Rusnák a 9 rating. A goal and two assists against a Mexican giant prompted these words:
“Albert Rusnák has taken a lot of criticism because often his play doesn’t match up with the fancy dribbling or scoring from higher profile DPs. Instead, Rusnák plays a game without ever turning the ball over, bashes the opponent in the head with consistent high level play and eventually breaks through with the brilliant 32nd minute ball that bounces off a teammate’s head into the goal. Or the 50th minute free kick that Yeimar forced a big save from. Or smartly heading the ball to THAT MAN MORRIS in the 58th minute for another assist. Or casually scoring a 71st minute penalty kick under massive pressure and with the match still in question. Or doing all this while remaining remarkably healthy, resilient, effective, and consistent game in and game out. That’s a goal and two assists. Against a high level opponent.”
That wasn’t his only 9, as he earned another against Columbus in September while dropping a hat trick on a team that was supposed to be amazing but got stomped on by Seattle. More than anything, these matches showed that Albert is going to take every inch an opponent gives him, without making mistakes, and will continually poke and prod for goals. When surrounded by high functioning teammates, Rusnák supercharges the offense, spraying passes around and showcasing dynamic movement that supports forward play without being highly obvious.
Lowlights: If there’s any complaint about Rusnák in 2024, it would be that he didn’t “single-handedly” carry the team. While that concept is hard to describe, it showed up in just okay ratings as the team traversed the MLS Playoffs or got deep into tournaments. With other players stepping up large in the postseason, Albert was good but not great, and didn’t carry the team in the manner many would prefer. Perhaps the most glaring issue when comparing expectations to reality is the lack of flashy plays and impact against the best competition. In multiple games against LA teams, Rusnák had less impact than desired: “Rusnák did not impose his will on this match like other DP level players did, and that was a big problem. He was fine: had a shot, clean passing, controlled play, strong set piece delivery, etc. Yet he was conspicuously absent from creating that big chance, making the game-defining play, and that was something Seattle desperately needed. With Seattle struggling to break down the LAFC backline with any consistency, the central interplay was at times good, but failed to be enough.”
That is the issue: Seattle could not impose their offensive will on opponents the way the top teams could against the Sounders, and many pointed fingers at Rusnák as the culprit. His style of play and the results against LAFC, in particular, were in stark contrast to output from other DPs, big name players who could continually will their teams to dominate Seattle. Without a fleet of dynamic pieces around him, Albert wasn’t likely to carry the entire load for the team and didn’t create the consistent big chances like other stars in the league.
Outlook: Albert Rusnák is not a flashy player who you notice when he steps on the field. He IS, however, immediately missed when he steps off it. Adding a number of offense-minded pieces around him is a recipe for 2025 success, since Albert can force-multiply the quality around him. His durability and defensive skills allow different tactical looks that can create even more dynamic play. With less pressure to be the only offensive creator, Rusnák is poised to be the central fulcrum that can connect all the vertical pieces of the Sounders attack in 2025.
#2 Cristian Roldan – 6.40 in 45 appearances
Community Rating: 6.27
MLS Regular Season: 6.28 in 33 appearances
MLS Playoffs: 7.25 in 4 appearances
US Open Cup: 6.67 in 3 appearances
Leagues Cup: 6.40 in 5 appearances
MOTM = 5 | High = 8 | Low = 5
Despite playing in (at least) four different positions, in 2024 Cristian Roldan earns the penultimate spot in our rating recaps. Yet again, the fantastic Roldan ends the season high in the ratings due to his continued excellence. Featuring the highest floor on the team, Cristian simply did not have bad outings, even when playing right back, attacking mid, or anywhere else the Sounders needed him. He found a permanent home in the defensive midfield in the back half of 2024 and was terrific, showcasing two-way play, stellar defensive toughness, and distribution that unlocked the team going forward. Always an emotional leader, Roldan’s influence on the team as Captain was felt on and off the field.
Highlights: One big change that contributed to the Sounders’ turnaround in 2024 was moving Roldan to defensive midfield. Seattle instantly controlled the ball better, gave up fewer central turnovers, and had a more penetrative offense from inside out. This change to run everything through Roldan got more touches on his foot, and he responded with better two-way play, improving the defense and offense at the same time. Being central let Cristian define the play, resulting in faster ball movement and more vertical spacing: “This was one of my favorite Roldan performances of the season, which was not defined by a few big moments, but rather the intensity of an entire match of high output. He controlled the center, leading the game with 91 clean touches. He added a shot and a key pass. He layered on five tackles and two interceptions, and continually looked to put Morris through. His over-the-top ball created the moment that changed the match, and throughout he was the metronome that ran the Sounders and kept them on the front foot. Nothing was a better depiction of that than when he took a ball in the center of the field in the 70th minute with a three goal lead and instead of standing on the ball he cleanly turned away from pressure, pushed the ball forward, and Seattle added a fourth [goal] because of it.”
In September the transition to “his” team was complete: “Although others had the final touch, nearly everything good came through Cristian Roldan, who was absolutely electric in this match. Seventy-seven touches and a single key pass don’t begin to describe how much impact Cristian had. He was everywhere, with four tackles, seven duels, and 10 recoveries, part of a solid outing. He saved a goal off the line that might have changed the entire tenor of the match. Pushing the offense forward meant he was springing the wide players and Jordan Morris vertically, connecting through the middle, and adding 13 passes directly into the attacking third. He set the tone and was everywhere in this match. Finally settling into a position that allows him to flourish, Cristian is doing so. Able to impact the match on nearly every iteration of play, Roldan is the missing ingredient to make the midfield hum.”
Lowlights: While not scoring lower than 5, compared to previous years, Cristian was ineffective on the wing, which led to him being moved back and inside. This resulted in lower offensive numbers; he had only two goals and one assist in MLS play in 2024. Early in the season we feared that was still dealing with the impact of his 2023 head injuries: “Cristian turned the ball over twice in the first 10 minutes and spent the rest of his time covering the right side on defense. He had zero shots or key passes, not creating or being involved in anything particularly impressive on his wing ... Roldan looks like a different player than he was before his head injuries. There are glimpses of the dynamic wide play he used to provide, but it’s increasingly forsaken due to the need to support a midfield that can’t move the ball forward into dangerous areas.”
Cristian didn’t look good on the wing to start the season. He struggled with creation, as did the rest of the team. While being solid in possession, he didn’t make the dynamic attacks up the width and was often sucked inside to support flagging midfield possession that then limited his goal directness. He was moved back to right back and again looked good but unspectacular, with Cristian unable to differentiate himself from teammates.
Outlook: Other players get more accolades, or are higher paid, but have no illusions: this is Cristian Roldan’s team. He is the key piece both emotionally and physically, and his move to the middle allows him to control how the Sounders play. Seattle has always depended on a dominant center of the field and Roldan showed in 2024 that he is ready to run the show, whether from deep positions looking vertical or making important runs forward in support of offensive teammates. His leadership and intensity set the emotional tone for the entire team. Seattle will go as far as Cristian takes them in 2025.
