The MLS season is now finished with its first month, and storylines are starting to be established. We've seen the largest crowd in MLS history in Charlotte, followed by a first win for the new club this past weekend. We've seen incredible goals, mostly by Yimmi Chara, we've seen compelling games, and also the emergence of a few players as very early contenders for MVP.

By this time last year, New England's Carles Gil and Nashville's Hany Mukhtar had already established themselves as the early frontrunners, though this year's race seems to be a bit more open. Let's see who could be part of the conversation this season.

5 Early Favorites To Win 2022 MLS MVP

5. Sebastian Driussi – Austin FC

Driussi came to Austin last season and joined a squad very much still in the building phase. It remains to be seen if Austin's red-hot start is due to the players actually solving many of the issues that plagued them last season or a beneficial early schedule. But regardless, Driussi looks the part.

Tied for second in goals with three, two of which came in style against a beleaguered Inter Miami, the Argentinian actually has had five goals in seven games dating back to the end of last season, where he finished in fine form. It seems this very much has carried over and has put the entire MLS on notice.

4. Javier Hernandez – LA Galaxy

Perhaps the best striker in the MLS, Hernandez may only have two goals to his name, one against Seattle and a stoppage-time winner against NYCFC on opening day, but he's made an early impact in a much-improved Galaxy side, even if they've lost both of their last two games.

Chicharito creates problems all over the field for the opponents, and it's perfectly reasonable to suggest on another day he could've scored multiple goals against Charlotte FC. Definitely the biggest name on this list, but the question remains if Hernandez can both keep up his own form and keep pace with the others in the MVP conversation.

3. Lucas Zelarayan – Columbus Crew

One of the greatest set-piece takers the MLS has ever seen, Zelarayan's place on this list may be in jeopardy given a knee injury he suffered in stoppage time against the New York Red Bulls this weekend. Columbus coach Caleb Porter isn't certain of the severity of Zelarayan's injury, but will certainly keep his no. 10 from participating in the upcoming international window with Armenia.

However, assuming it isn't very severe and he can return in a couple of weeks, Zelarayan should immediately return to being one of the best players in the league. Currently, he ranks no. 1 in average player rating on FotMob, WhoScored, and SofaScore, which is truly a testament to his consistency and wizardry.

2. Carles Gil – New England Revolution

Last year's MVP, Gil has followed up a campaign where assists gave him the MVP with even more assists. He only has two to his name thus far, but with 14 successful crosses already, more are bound to come as Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa return from injury.

Gil doesn't often score himself, at least from open play, but he almost always elevates the play of those around him, which is what got him the award last season. It seems he has offered a blueprint to become the first repeat MVP in MLS history.

1. Lewis Morgan, New York Red Bulls

An often criticized signing from Inter Miami, Morgan came in, was handed the no. 10 shirt with the New York Red Bulls, and scored a hat trick in the first half against Toronto FC. While he hasn't scored again since, Morgan does have an assist to his name, helping keep pace with the others on this list in terms of total G/A.

Morgan's success in the awards department and the Red Bulls' success in the table are perfectly intertwined. The better he plays, the better the squad does, and vice versa.

Honorable Mentions: Carlos Vela – LAFC and Brandon Vazquez – FC Cincinnati

Another player who bagged a hat trick, Vela got his on opening day but unfortunately hasn't done much since. Sure, he's gotten another goal and an assist, but he came off injured against Portland, renewing fears that this season for Vela, whose contract is up in June, would be marked not by honors but by injuries once again.

I couldn't make this list without mentioning the other player besides Vela and Zelarayan to have four goals in this early stage: Brandon Vázquez. What's holding him back is his club, because even though FC Cincinnati has reeled off back-to-back wins against Orlando City and Inter Miami, the squad is still probably the worst in the MLS. More wins and goals for Vazquez will likely be hard to come by as the season progresses, though it would be a pleasant surprise for FC Cincinnati to prove me wrong and finish anywhere other than last.