Nashville's Hany Mukhtar reminds Chicago why he's MLS MVP

Mukhtar's three goals put him among the league's leading scorers (six goals, five assists) and gives him a strong start in positioning for the 2023 MVP.

There are plenty of stellar goal scorers in MLS -- Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), Cristian Espinoza (San Jose) and Carlos Vela (Los Angeles FC) come to mind. But Mukhtar, a winger, is different than the rest because of his unique and symbiotic relationship with his club. 

Vela could play anywhere and stand out. Mukhtar could, too, but there's nowhere else in MLS where he'd stand out more than with Nashville SC.

Coach Gary Smith favors a tight, compact lineup that narrows the playing field for his opposition. His Nashville sides are notoriously difficult to break down. They sit low on the field and invite pressure, then sprint forward and strike the second they see their opponent make a mistake. 

Mukhtar, who is often tasked with leading attacks, is a stunningly fast winger capable of crossing the ball for his teammates or scoring on his own. Nashville's tight defensive block gives him the space to be as creative as he wants in front of goal. When Mukhtar hits, Nashville often looks unbeatable.

"[Y]ou need a jewel in any crown, and he's certainly that," Smith said of Mukhtar after the Chicago match. "He's been wonderful for us ..this is not just the result of someone turning up on the weekend and using their talent to the best degree. He works very hard in the week."

Nashville will face Wayne Rooney's DC United and Phil Neville's Inter Miami in its next two matches. With conference leader New England facing tough opposition on the road, it could be Nashville's best opportunity to snatch the top spot in the East.

"We all know it's 34 games in a season," Mukhtar said. "It's always nice to start well, but in the end it's how you finish the season. We're 11 games in. It's still very early. We have to keep going."