Is Dejan Joveljic the best striker in MLS?

Is Dejan Joveljic the best striker in MLS? Joveljic scored three of Sporting Kansas City’s four goals in the opening stages of the 2026 MLS campaign. The striker’s form has carried Sporting KC to four points from their opening four games. Without Joveljic’s goals, Sporting would be struggling for points and to breathe in an oppressive Western Conference.

Last season, Joveljic bagged 18 of Sporting KC’s 46 goals. He accounted for 39% of Sporting KC’s scoring. The Serbian also added two assists, bringing his total goal contribution to 20.

Joveljic has played all 360 minutes for Sporting in MLS. He is the first name on coach Raphael Wicky’s teamsheet. If the striker was to miss significant time due to an injury, Sporting KC would simply be up the proverbial creek.

Efficiency and output in 2026

How good has Joveljic been this season? He has three goals from just 10 shots. He has created goals from nothing, posting an xG of 2.18. 

Joveljic hasn’t seen a lot of the ball, especially in attacking areas. He has just 13 touches in the oppositions’ penalty area–which, compared to other strikers in similar leagues, is extremely low. But this is due to the way in which Sporting have had to play in 2026. Note, I wrote, had to play.

Goals everywhere

In terms of goals scored this season, Joveljic is currently tied for third place. MLS is a high-scoring league. After four matchdays, there have been 171 goals scored for an average of 2.9 per match. Only one of Sporting KC’s matches this season finished with under 2.5 goals.

Joveljic is the best finisher in MLS. He creates goals from nothing. The Serbian’s opening goal against the LA Galaxy on matchday No. 4 was proof of his ability to score from nothing chances. 

Joveljic picked up the ball on the left flank, cut inside, and let loose a low-value shot from the corner of the penalty area that found the far corner of the net. It was a goal from nothing. But it was another example of just how deadly the Serbian hitman is with the ball around the 18-yard box.

Comparing Joveljic to MLS rivals

MLS’s current goal scoring leaders are Vancouver Whitecaps player Brian White and FC Dallas striker Petar Musa with five goals. Both White and Musa have scored one goal each from the penalty spot, with four of those five goals being from open play. Joveljic’s three goals have all come from open play.

LA Galaxy striker Joao Klauss, Nashville striker Sam Surridge, and New York City forward Nicolas Fernandez are all locked on four goals after four matches. Looking at the players ahead of Joveljic in the goal scoring charts, it is easy to see that they all play for stronger teams.

For example, White may lead the Whitecaps in scoring, but the American benefits from playing in a team with Thomas Mueller and Sebastian Berhalter. White is one of the league’s top strikers, having scored 16 or more goals in the last three campaigns, however. He has top players around him, but White does finish chances. 

Musa had a 19-goal campaign in MLS a season ago. The season prior Musa scored 16 times in the regular season. Musa is also a top striker in the league, although like White, may not get the headlines he deserves. 

Why is this? Because they aren’t marquee, marketable players like Lionel Messi or Son Heung-min. Joveljic fits into this camp. He is the best finisher in the league, but Sporting KC aren’t a flashy side.

MLS is a high-scoring league. With 30 teams and 15 matches per week, it is understandable that the chances for goals being scored are high. 

MLS teams pay top dollar to attract strong attacking talent to North America. The same can’t be said about signing strong defenders. 

Attacking players certainly have an advantage when it comes to MLS play, just watch the weekly goals highlight video published by MLS on YouTube to see some of the worst, most disorganized defending you will ever see in professional football.

Verdict: Is Dejan Joveljic the best striker in MLS?

Is Joveljic the best striker in MLS? If he isn’t the best, then Joveljic is certainly a top-five striker in MLS. He is the player keeping Sporting KC in every game. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will be the player carrying Sporting toward a playoff berth in 2026. Even with the squad improving around him, Joveljic is still the heart of this team.