MLS 2019: Top 3 strikers in the Eastern Conference

#2 Heber Araujo dos Santos

Heber's form has minimized the impact of David Villa's departure.

The MLS has always been one of the favourite hunting grounds of European legends running the final lap of their careers, and City Football Group's New York City FC is no exception. The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard, and David Villa have lent their services to the club, with the latter exceeding expectations and scoring at will for the club.

New York City's Spanish legend gave the club an average of 20 goals every season before his departure to Japanese club Vissel Kobe towards the end of 2018. The team was always perceived to be dependent on David Villa to add the finishing touch to their fluid passing movements, and NYCFC needed an immediate and effective replacement.

Enter Heber Araujo dos Santos, a 28-year-old striker with Samba flair and a distinct eye for goal. As far as statistics are concerned, the Brazilian forward successfully filled the massive boots of his Spanish predecessor, scoring 15 goals in 22 games as New York City FC went on to dominate the Eastern Conference.

Heber was also at the heart of several defining moments of the club's 2019 season, most notably including a stunning second-half winner against rivals New York Red Bulls in the Hudson River Derby. The Brazilian ability to seize the initiative in crucial phases of the game makes him one of New York City FC's most important assets going into the 2020 season.