San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski crowned 2011 Castrol Index MLS Player of the Year

With a cumulative point total of 9.31 out of 10.0, forward Chris Wondolowski of the San Jose Earthquakes was officially named the 2011 Castrol Index MLS Player of the Year earlier today. An index that takes into account offensive statistics such as shots on goal and conversion rates, as well as other passing specific metrics, Wondolowski climbed into the top spot in the rankings following his NASR-named MLS Player of the Month award for October.

Finishing just ahead of Seattle Sounders midfielder Alvaro Fernandez and New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry — both MLS Designated Players — Wondolowski took home the honor on the back of his superior quality scoring opportunities statistics. In a top-ten that was dominated by defenders, Wondolowski’s only deficiencies in the metrics used to determine the rankings came in pass completion percentage and number of effective passes made up the field. Both those categories favor players that are starting passing sequences, not those like Wondo that are responsible for finishing opportunities.

Entering the month of October, Wondolowski sat at number four in the Castrol Index rankings, but by virtue of a five goal month that saw the 2010 MLS Golden Boot award winner nearly defend his crown, he vaulted to the top of the list by season’s end. DC United’s Dwayne De Rosarion will take home that honor this season, but Wondolowski can now lay claim to statistically being the best player in MLS in 2011.

(Photo: Kelley L. Cox, centerlinesoccer.com)