Lee Nguyen has emerged as an MLS MVP candidate

Lee Nguyen has been playing some of the best soccer of any central midfielder in the United States player pool. He only has three caps to his name, from his time at PSV Eindhoven after leaving Indiana following his Big Ten Freshman of the Year season.

Last week, Nguyen scored two goals in the New England Revolution’s 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, followed by an assist in a 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire on Sunday. The Revs are on a four-game winning streak, paced by at least one goal or assist from Nguyen in each match.

MORE: Revolution continue to rise in MLS Power Rankings

His biggest asset is his soccer IQ, particularly in the way he finds space between opposing defensive and midfield lines. His first goal against Sporting KC came from holding his run and finding space on top of a retreating back line. The second was on a similar run, holding in space rather than running forward blindly, followed by a blistering finish.

Nguyen isn’t always the most obvious or flashiest player on the field — although he does have that in his arsenal when necessary — but he always seems to be in the best position and able to distribute smartly, such as on his almost-blind cross for Diego Fagúndez’s goal against the Fire.

Jermaine Jones has been taking the headlines recently for the way he joined New England and what he’s supposed to provide the team, but Nguyen has been carrying the team.

via Lee Nguyen sparks streaking New England Revolution in MLS Week 26’s top showing | SI.com.