Ranking the top 10 MLS exports of the last decade 

The MLS has exported some excellent talent to Europe
The MLS has exported some excellent talent to Europe

#3 Miguel Almiron (Newcastle United)

Almiron arrived at Newcastle on a then club-record fee
Almiron arrived at Newcastle on a then club-record fee

The Paraguayan midfielder took the MLS by storm following his arrival from Lanus in Argentina during the winter of 2016. Atlanta United spent $8 million for his signature and Almiron proved he is worth his weight in gold.

During his debut season, Almiron netted nine goals and registered eight assists for his teammates in 31 appearances in the MLS. Although Atlanta lost in the MLS Cup playoffs, Almiron was named 'Newcomer of the Year' for the season.

It was over the course of the following season that Almiron delivered his best performance in the MLS. The creative midfielder netted 12 goals and provided 13 assists as Atlanta went on to lift the MLS Cup in only their second year of existence.

Due to his sparkling form, Newcastle United ended up signing Almiron on a club-record deal, which also made him the most expensive MLS transfer of all-time. Since arriving on Tyneside in 2019, Almiron has scored 13 goals and notched up five assists in 91 appearances for the Magpies.


#2 Jack Harrison (Leeds United)

Harrison has thrived at Leeds
Harrison has thrived at Leeds

The Englishman has had an interesting journey to the Premier League. Harrison moved to the United States as a teenager to finish his schooling and eventually ended up being a professional in the MLS.

Although his debut for New York City FC came in a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of rivals New York Red Bulls, Harrison stood out with his promising individual performance off the bench. The winger then scored on his first start for the club and has not looked back ever since.

Harrison netted 14 goals and registered 10 assists in 55 MLS appearances across two seasons. Sensing his potential, Manchester City decided to offer him a way back to England. The Premier League giants loaned Harrison to Middlesbrough straight after signing him, but the winger was restricted to just four appearances at the Riverside Stadium.

Then came his move to Yorkshire with Leeds United, where he spent three fruitful seasons on loan before joining permanently earlier this month. Under the tutelage of Marcelo Bielsa, Harrison has come on leaps and bounds. In addition to helping Leeds return to the Premier League after a 16-year-exile, the 24-year-old netted 18 goals and registered 20 assists in 128 appearances across competitions.


#1 Alphonso Davies (FC Bayern Munich)

Davies has established himself at Bayern
Davies has established himself at Bayern

Born inside a refugee camp in Ghana to Liberian parents, Davies has enjoyed a proper rags-to-riches story in football. His family eventually decided to move to Canada, which is where Davies made the first step into professional soccer.

After impressing for local clubs in Edmonton, Davies was picked up by the Vancouver Whitecaps. He initially played for their reserve team in the USL but was tipped to make the jump immediately, thanks to his glaring potential.

Davies soon became the second-youngest player, behind Freddy Adu, to debut in the MLS in 2016. Since he predominantly played further up the pitch in the MLS, Davies racked up goals and assists, drawing attention from several European clubs.

Ultimately, Bayern Munich secured his services for a then record-fee for an MLS player in 2018. Still only 20, Davies has slowly but steadily established himself as a regular at the Allianz Arena over the last few seasons. With over 84 appearances for the Bundesliga giants in three seasons, Davies is rightly regarded as the future of the club and quite easily the greatest talent to have emerged from the MLS.

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