Are record-setting Revs’ Gil, Arena the league’s best? Can any youngsters rival Pepi?

The 2021 Major League Soccer season began 209 days ago, and so much has changed in that period of time.

The New England Revolution lifted their first MLS silverware with a record-setting points haul to secure the Supporters’ Shield. The Columbus Crew, last year’s MLS Cup champions, soldiered through a title hangover for much of the campaign before being eliminated from postseason contention on Decision Day. Both Los Angeles clubs finished the year below the playoff line. Even FC Cincinnati rewrote the record books, becoming the first team in league history to finish dead last in three straights seasons.

Individually, this season was full of remarkable performers. From the dugout to the front line to between the posts, there were several players deserving of individual recognition, leading to considerable competition for each of this year’s MLS awards.

So, before the league begins handing out its individual prizes, ESPN asked Jeff Carlisle, Alejandro Moreno, Kyle Bonagura, Dan Hajducky, Austin Lindberg and Danny Guerra to make their selections for those most deserving in every major category.

Jump to: MVP | Young Player of the Year | Coach of the Year | Newcomer of the Year | Defender of the Year | Goalkeeper of the Year

MVP

Hany Mukhtar, Nashville SC: At one point this season, New England’s Carles Gil looked set to lap the field, and he did manage to finish with four goals and a league-best 18 assists. But an injury dampened his numbers, and while he still ended up involved in a little over a third of the Revs’ goals, Mukhtar’s contribution for Nashville was critical given the team’s defend-first nature. His 16 goals and 12 assists meant he contributed to just over half of NSC’s 55 goals, giving him the nod. — Carlisle

Carles Gil, New England Revolution: This is a simple equation. Best player in the best team, plus a league-best 18 assists,…