MLS stands for Major League Soccer and by the last word I think you can imagine what country this league is from. The United States is a country full of money and one that has large amounts spent on sport. However, football (British style) isn’t as celebrated over there as it is on English shores, which means that the MLS often lacks many homegrown stars. Instead, they use imports from all over the world, as well as also looking to purchase ageing stars to boost popularity and, in turn, rake in more money. The MLS is on the up in the world of football but they still have a long way to go. Here are a list of players that are currently thriving in the US:
1. Thierry Henry
The former Arsenal legend has been spending the past few years with American side New York Red Bulls. That, however, didn’t stop the Frenchman returning to the Gunners on loan a couple of seasons ago. Ten goals and seven assists in 30 appearances is some doing for a 36-year-old, who is a real legend of the game
2. Landon Donovan
Donovan is a player that has consistently scored in the MLS for a number of seasons now and, despite two loan spells with Everton, no European clubs have shown enough interest in him to sign him permanently. He managed ten goals and seven assists in 22 appearances in the season just passed.
3. Robbie Keane
The former Tottenham star has been extremely good for LA Galaxy since his arrival and that was proven in the last campaign when he scored 16 goals and grabbed 11 assists. They are incredible stats that make him worthy of some interest from Premier League clubs.
4. Erick Torres
Torres is possibly the youngest player on this list but that doesn’t mean he’s any less regarded than my previous three entries. He is very highly rated in America and was billed as one of the players that would make a breakthrough soon and earn a move to a top European side.
5. Camilo
The 25-year-old Brazilian was in devastating form last season, which saw him become one of the leading goalscorer’s in his divison. Acquring 22 goals and five assists in 32 games is an amazing record which should have been noticed by at least a few clubs in Europe. If not then, some scouts have missed a trick here.
6. Diego Fagundez
The 18-year-old is the youngest player on the list and he takes the crown from Torres. The Uruguayan has been in sparkling form for New England Revolution and that has earned him a total of 31 appearances in the last campaign, in which he scored 13 goals and assisted five. He is a young talent who should be picked up soon.
7. Marco Delgado
Delgado is a homegrown young talent and the fact that he makes the list is very good news. He currently plys his trade with CD Chivas, where he operates as a central midfielder. He was at the heart of their midfield on 16 occasions last season but he failed to register a goal and only got one assist.