If Villa hadn't gone to Spain, didn't get injured, played in those 3 games, (He only played 18 minutes in the three matches following the international break), I genuinely believe he could have broken the MLS scoring record, achieve 10 assist, and be the first player to win back to back MVP awards.
No back-to-back MVP awards for David Villa as Portland’s Diego Valeri picks up the award this season. pic.twitter.com/oT9ibZHofi
— NYCFC Nation ⭐ (@NYCFCNation) December 4, 2017
This is entirely correct. Injuries can derail a campaign like this - and it affected more than just those 3 games, as it took him time to fully regain form.
Still, you can play this game all day. Giovinco has been prone to injuries the last 2 years, particularly in 2016, and you can argue that if he's fully healthy he gets another MVP in one of them, at least.