Hany Mukhtar made his MVP case in front of his biggest rival for the prize

The Nashville SC star made a major statement with his second-half brace

Sebastián Driussi has been the MLS MVP-in-waiting for most of 2022, but Hany Mukhtar clearly isn’t ready to hand him the award yet.

Nashville SC star Mukhtar made a real statement against Driussi and Austin FC on Saturday night, scoring two goals in the second half in a 3-0 win.

With the home crowd chanting “MVP” all evening, the brace put Mukhtar atop the MLS Golden Boot race with 21 goals — one more than Driussi.

Mukhtar also has 11 assists, becoming only the fifth player in MLS history to post a 20 and 10 season.

After the game, the Nashville star made it clear he was well aware of the MVP stakes going into the contest.

“I have to give, first of all, credit to Driussi,” Mukhtar said after the match. “He’s played an amazing season, he’s an amazing player. I was with him in the MLS All-Star Week. He’s a good guy, very nice guy, very humble.

“But of course, in the end, I am here to win something with Nashville. And I think I’ve played a very good season, so obviously I want to win also the MVP award.”

Watch Mukhtar’s two goals vs. Austin FC

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