Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.
Sebastian Giovinco took MLS by storm last year, scoring 22 goals and assisting on 16 others. That marked the highest combined total in league history.
He has not been as consistent this year, and yet he debuts atop our list handicapping the race for the Landon Donovan MVP trophy.
Here's how we determined the rankings: 10 of MLSsoccer.com's editors were polled for their top five MVP candidates, as of July 31. Their votes were aggregated, resulting in the list below.
Five points were given to a player who received a 1st-place vote, four to a 2nd-place vote, three to a 3rd-place vote, two for a 4th-place vote and one point was given if a player received a 5th-place vote.
This is an unofficial list. It does NOT reflect actual MVP voting.
MVP Race
37
POINTS
RANK: 1
LAST MONTH: N/A
Sebastian Giovinco
Toronto FC - Forward
Giovinco had not scored a goal for eight games prior to his three-goal outburst against D.C. United on July 23. He followed that up with a one-goal, two-assist performance against Columbus Crew SC on Saturday, which secured his spot at the top of these rankings.
His 21 combined goals plus assists again lead the league, and he will have ample opportunity to add to that total as Toronto FC make a run to the playoffs.
WATCH: Sebastian Giovinco highlights
34
POINTS
RANK: 2
LAST MONTH: N/A
David Villa
New York City FC - Forward
David Villa has been spectacular for New York City FC ever since he put on the jersey. One of the main reasons NYCFC sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, Villa's 13 goals lead the Golden Boot.
WATCH:
David Villa highlights
26
POINTS
RANK: 3
LAST MONTH: N/A
Mauro Diaz
FC Dallas - Midfielder
This has been the healthiest season of Mauro Diaz' career, and he has shown why Dallas misses him so much when he can not take the field.
Diaz has been the fulcrum of a Dallas attack that has scored the most goals in the Western Conference. His 10 assists are the second most in the league, behind only fellow MVP candidate Sacha Kljestan.
WATCH:
Mauro Diaz highlights
18
POINTS
RANK: 4
LAST MONTH: N/A
Ignacio Piatti
Montreal Impact - Midfielder
Didier Drogba drew all the headlines coming into the season, but Ignacio Piatti has been the best player for the Montreal Impact this season.
The Argentine playmaker has already set an MLS career-high with 12 goals, tied for second in the league, while also contributing five assists. Piatti has been one of the most electrifying players in MLS this season and will look to continue that form as the Impact go for one of the top spots in the East.
WATCH: Ignacio Piatti highlights
12
POINTS
RANK: 5
LAST MONTH: N/A
Sacha Kljestan
New York Red Bulls - Midfielder
Sacha Kljestan had a standout season in 2015, his first season back in MLS after five years abroad, racking up eight goals and 14 assists as the New York Red Bulls captured the Supporters' Shield in their first season under Jesse Marsch. He has only improved on that prodigious output.
The 30-year-old has collected 12 assists thus far, giving him a legitimate shot at becoming only the second player to reach 20 assists in a single season, potentially joining Carlos Valderrama. He will need to be even more influential now as team captain Dax McCarty is out for 4-6 weeks.
WATCH: Sacha Kljestan highlights
OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES (POINTS)
Jelle Van Damme (10), Diego Valeri (7), Cyle Larin (3), Fanendo Adi (2), Tommy McNamara (1)
