The MLS is slowly but steadily building its own brand of talent. Frank Lampards move gives further proof that the game of soccer is finally ready to have its day in the sun across the Atlantic in the United States.While few might still say that the league is still where the worlds greatest talents go in search of their last fat paycheck, there is no denying that the sportis beginning to cut through the countrys sporting landscape.This off-season has seen a flurry of new names joining the MLS including the likes of Frank Lamapard and Kaka. Where do they rank in our list of top MLS signings ever?
#5 David Villa - New York City FC
Villa might not have the same pedigree he did four to five years ago, but he should have enough left in his bag to light up the stage in the United States. He might not be the vital cog in the machinery for either Atletico Madrid or the Spanish national team that he once was, but is capable of producing those pieces of magic as demonstrated through his goal against Australia in the World Cup.
Even at the age of 32, Villa is far from a washout who is coming to the United States looking for a final big payday. Whilst majorly coming off the bench for both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the previous two seasons, Villa still managed to reach double digit scoring figures in La Liga.
#4 Frank Lampard - New York City FC
Have no doubts, Frank Lampard can still make a living in the Premier League. Outside the top 5 and he will still command a starting spot in the team. That’s how good Lampard still is.
However, he chose the MLS this summer over spending his last years with a mid-table club or with some team bordering on the fringes of Champions League qualification. The ex-England international signed for the MLS’s 20th expansion team, New York City FC in what was the franchise’s second big coup of the summer after capturing David Villa earlier from Atletico Madrid.
Lampard will not only be the heart of the midfield for New York, but he will also provide his fair share of goals from the centre of the park. We won’t be surprised at all if the ex-Blues midfielder ends up with another season where his goal tally is in double figures.
#3 Kak - Orlando City
Once regarded as, arguably, the best player in the planet, Kaká’s demise has been rapid and spectacular. He enjoyed a demi-god status during his time with AC Milan, especially for his performances in his first spell at the club. Between 2003 and 2009, the Brazilian led the Rossoneri to a Serie A title in 2004 and a Champions League trophy (where he was also the top scorer) in 2007. He was also named the FIFA Player of the Year in the year 2007.
His form, however, tumbled upon his move to Real Madrid in 2009 for a transfer fee of €65 million. A drop in performance and recurring injury problems meant that Kaká made only 85 appearances in four seasons at the Bernabeu. But it’s not as if he is all washed up right now. Upon returning to Milan, last season he seems to be rejuvenated again with glimpses of his footballing magic coming to the fore every now and again.
Although he garnered only 3000 minutes for Milan last season in all competitions, he rounded off with nine goals to his name. At Orlando City, he will more than just a name to fill the seats in Florida.
#2 Thierry Henry - New York Red Bulls
The French maestro is currently the biggest star in the MLS right now. Arguably the greatest striker the Premier League has ever seen, Henry was the quintessential superstar of his generation that brought made the English Premier League what it is right now. His 8 year spell at Arsenal yielded the Gunners two Premier League titles and three FA Cup triumphs.
Henry joined the New York Red Bulls in 2010 following a three year spell at Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles to accompany a Champions League win as well.
The Frenchman has been named to the MLS All-Star team in each of his four seasons in the US.
#1 David Beckham - Los Angeles Galaxy
David Beckham was the one who started it all. He was the one to show the footballing world that it was okay to leave European football with a few years still left in you and fly across the Atlantic to ply your trade. Many may sight back to the ‘70s when Pele and Beckenbauer grazed the pitch, but try as they may they never captured the attention of the Americans, quite like the way the boy from Manchester did.
His footballing days were certainly not over. Even Fabio Capello’s most valiant efforts were not enough to keep him at Real Madrid after he led them to a La Liga title in 2007. ‘Golden Balls’ brought the whole footballing world to the doorsteps of the US. Beckham brought the whole package. He combined English elegance with Hollywood flair. If not for this man, the MLS might still be treated as the old age home for the washed-out stars of football.
The MLS in years to come might even become one of the major leagues in the game, and if it does, people will look back at the date 11th January, 2007. The day when David Beckham decided that playing “soccer” was what he wanted.
During his five year stay in Los Angeles, he helped the Galaxy to 2 MLS Cup titles and 3 MLS Western Conference titles.
