Atlanta United forward Giorgos Giakoumakis was full of praise when talking about MLS MVP candidate and teammate Thiago Almada during All-Star media duties.
Giakoumakis has set Major League Soccer on fire since joining the Five Stripes from Scottish side Celtic, scoring 10 goals in just 977 minutes in 2023. If not for an unfortunate recurring hamstring injury, the 28-year-old would more than likely have several more goals to his tally.
One of his teammates, midfielder Thiago Almada, isn't too shabby himself. The 22-year-old, who was a part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup winning squad, has amassed eight goals and ten assists this campaign in an Atlanta United side that has been anything but consistent.
"Thiago’s talent is incredible, it's amazing," Giakoumakis said. "His ability, his vision is amazing. It's all about his ambition and where he wants to end up. If he wants to make the next step, it will be up to him.
"If not, he will be one of our leaders in Atlanta and I'm really happy I've shared the field with him."
While on the topic of MVPs, Giakoumakis provided some insight on how he think the league has grown over recent years, and that growth will only continue with Inter Miami's signing of Lionel Messi.
"But even if you don't win the MVP now and you're right in that conversation, you're still a top player," he said. "I think we have many options this year."
"The level of MLS - I've been watching the last couple of years - it's improved a lot. Much more is going to come for this league."
There's also more to come for Atlanta United, as they prepare to take on Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup on July 25.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Giorgos Giakoumakis praises 'amazing' Atlanta United teammate Thiago Almada.
