Miles Robinson named to 2021 MLS Best XI

Atlanta United center back Miles Robinson was named to Major League Soccer’s 2021 Best XI team, the league announced Thursday morning. It’s the second time in the last three years that Robinson has earned the honor after being named to the team in 2019. He was the only Atlanta United player to earn honors this year.

Per Atlanta United’s press release:

Robinson started 25 of his 26 MLS appearances in 2021 and was named to his first MLS All-Star team. The 24-year-old ranked second in MLS in duel success rate (min. 100 duels) at 66.83 % behind teammate Ezequiel Barco. In the 25 matches in which he played 90 minutes, Atlanta conceded an average of .92 goals per match and tallied nine clean sheets. He scored his first career MLS goal on Decision Day against FC Cincinnati and recorded his first MLS assist on May 29 against Nashville SC.

On the international level, Robinson became a regular starter for the United States Men’s National Team in 2021, including starting six of the seven World Cup Qualifying matches this cycle. Robinson also started all six matches and scored two goals at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup where he helped the U.S. secure five clean sheets and scored the game-winning goal in the final to defeat Mexico 1-0. He has 15 career appearances and three goals with the USMNT.

Despite these tremendous achievements for both club and country, all remains quiet on the western front as to a potential move overseas to a top European league this offseason. Robinson signed a contract extension late in the 2019 season (October) to increase his salary. The length of the deal is unknown, but it certainly seems as if Atlanta is under no pressure to move one of (if not THE) best American defenders and one of the best in MLS.

Congratulations to Miles!