Rooney, Ibrahimovic highlight finalists for MLS MVP award
Major League Soccer on Wednesday announced some illustrious names among its five nominees for the 2018 MVP award.
D.C. United star Wayne Rooney and L.A. Galaxy talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic were chosen alongside Atlanta United's attacking pair of Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron and Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela.
Rooney, Ibrahimovic, and Vela are all in their first year in MLS, and the trio will also battle it out for the Newcomer of the Year honour.
Related: MLS reveals shortlist for every 2018 year-end award
Former England captain Rooney arrived in Maryland in July and has transformed a team looking like a no-hoper into playoff competitors thanks to his 12 goals and six assists in 20 games.
Ibrahimovic arrived in California amid much fanfare in March and amassed 22 goals and seven assists in 27 games for the Galaxy. However, the maverick Swede couldn't inspire the West Coast franchise to reach the postseason, as it fell short on Decision Day on Sunday.
Vela has led the charge on the other side of Los Angeles, contributing 14 goals and 10 assists in 28 games after his switch from Spanish side Real Sociedad.
Meanwhile, Martinez and Almiron, as they did last year, have spearheaded the Five Stripes' quest to win the Supporters' Shield. The Georgian franchise ultimately finished second to New York Red Bulls despite Martinez breaking the league's single-season scoring record and Almiron attracting European interest.
Neither Martinez nor Almiron were nominated for last season's award, which was won by Portland Timbers' star Designated Player Diego Valeri.