Alex Muyl continued to be an important member of Nashville SC’s core in 2023, displaying his trademark consistency and versatility and providing depth in multiple roles.
Alex Muyl 2023 Grade: B+
2023 by the numbers
Matches played:Â 43 (T-2nd on Nashville SC)
Minutes played:Â 2,977 (6th on Nashville SC)
Goals:Â 4 (T-4th on Nashville SC)
Assists:Â 3 (6th on Nashville SC)
Goal contributions per 96 minutes: 0.23 (7th on Nashville SC)
2023 in review
Muyl played the second-most matches for Nashville SC in 2023, filling in at multiple positions. Whether right back, right wingback, winger, or in his most consistent role as a shuttler on the right side of Nashville’s diamond midfield, Muyl was incredibly consistent. He may not bring the top-end impact Nashville needed in the final third, but his performances were consistently reliable week in and week out.
Muyl’s biggest impact came when Nashville switched to a midfield diamond in the early months of the season. The role was a perfect fit for the former New York Red Bull, allowing him to utilize his incredible work-rate on both sides of the ball, freeing Dax McCarty to do the playmaking.
Muyl’s four goals were tied for the fourth-most on Nashville SC. His combined goals and assists per 96 minutes played was the seventh-highest on the team. Despite not always getting a string of consecutive starts and being moved all over the field, he was consistently able to pop up with valuable contributions, and made the team better.
Looking forward
At $500k guaranteed compensation, Muyl is the 10th-highest earner on Nashville SC. He was on a guaranteed deal last season, and while he may be in an option year, Nashville should pick up his option without hesitation. He’s an ideal player to have in the squad.
At the same time, Nashville badly need to add more quality on the wings and in midfield. With a Concacaf Champions Cup debut looming, they’ll need more depth than ever next season, and with expected changes to MLS roster rules, they should have more space to work with. Expect Muyl to continue providing cover for Nashville, capable to fill in at several positions with several starts mixed in. He’s one of Nashville’s core pieces at this point.
Moment of the season
Muyl had a couple important goals for Nashville in 2023, including an equalizer in the U.S. Open Cup just seconds after subbing on against Inter Miami. His best, though, was an absolute rocket of a left-footed shot against FC Dallas in the Round of 32, reminiscent of his 2022 goal of the year against Montréal.
Bonus shout to the infamous armpit goal. The stuff of legends.
Previous report cards:
Joe Willis (A-) | Dan Lovitz (A) | Lukas MacNaughton (A) | Jack Maher (A-) | Dax McCarty (B+) | Fafà Picault (A) | Randall Leal (D) | Sam Surridge (C+) | Hany Mukhtar (B-) | Ethan Zubak (D) | Teal Bunbury (C-) | Jacob Shaffelburg (B-) | Shaq Moore (B)
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