MLS PLAYERS TO LOOK OUT FOR (EASTERN CONFERENCE)
As football (soccer) in America is becoming increasingly popular, and attracting more and more big name players and managers to ply their trade across waters.
It’s natural the MLS brand is being recognised by a wider audience and attracting more fans from around the world. Though I have always had an interest in MLS, I wouldn’t say I am fully versed in the sport there.
With that being said, along with my interest in doing some MLS based articles. I have started by deciding to do my player to watch per team for the season.
CHICAGO FIRE
David Accam
Forward
Ghana
25
As a converted winger, naturally his game relies on using his blistering speed. But he also has very decent skill, which combined with his speed, strength and power, has caused major problems for defenders. He also knows where the goal is and proved this by finishing his first season as Chicago’s top goal scorer. At only 25 and after 3 decent seasons in Sweden. It’s fair to say he had a successful debut season in MLS and will only get better.
Other Chicago players to watch: Eric Gehrig (defender) Sean Johnson (goalkeeper)
COLUMBUS CREW
Kei Kamara
Forward
Sierra Leone
31
At 6.3 he’s naturally great in the air and a lot of his goals comes from his head. But he’s also good on the ground and scores more than his fair share with his feet. He’s an imposing figure who uses his bulk but is also surprisingly quick. A very experienced striker who has played for three other MLS teams and two teams in English. He has used that experience to create a knack of being in the right place at the right time.
Other Columbus Crew players to watch: Will Trapp (defender) Tony Tchani, (midfielder)
DC UNITED
Bill Hamid
Goalkeeper
USA
25
Although currently injured. It might say much about DC’s previous season and prospects for the coming season that the goalkeeper is the one to watch or stand out name. But as a homegrown player, it’s somewhat refreshing to see his development and growing abilities. Superb movement and reflexes, great shot stopping and excellent at coming off his line. The youngest keeper to feature and win a MLS game in 2010, has gone on from that 19-year-old to being in the argument of one of the best keepers in the league.
Other DC United players to watch: Chris Rolfe (forward) Marcelo Sarvas, (midfielder)
MONTREAL IMPACT
Ignacio Piati
Midfielder
Argentina
31
He has brought that typical South American flair to the team. Comfortable on the ball, his quick feet, nimble, close control and vision creates chances for his team mates but often also allows him to have goal scoring opportunities. His movement off the ball is also a great attribute. More importantly, when his team needs to find a goal he will pop up with one just at the right time.
Other Montreal Impact players to watch: Dider Drogba (forward) Patrice Bernier (midfield)
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTIOIN
Diego Fagundez
Forward
Uruguay
21
This young Uruguayan may just be finding his feet and could be ready for an onslaught on MLS defenders. He seems to have developed that strikers ability to finish instinctively and can strike a ball cleanly with both feet. Also quick across the ground, his slight statue allows him to have great balance and movement, which in turn allows him find little pockets of space in order to be in the right place at the right time like all good strikers.
Other New England Revolution players to watch: Jose Goncalves (defender) Scott Caldwell (midfielder)
NEW YORK CITY FC
Andre Pirlo
Midfielder
Spain
36
Even in his later years, and this is in no way a disrespect to the MLS, he can stroll around the pitch like he owns it and absolutely run the game. His range of passing brings a touch of class to matches, along with his set piece/dead ball taking. These days he will sit deep and dictate the pace of the game. As long as he has willing runners off him, he will more often than not create goal scoring opportunities for team mates.
Other New York City FC players to watch: Frank Lampard (midfielder) David Villa (forward)
NEW YORK RED BULLS
Felipe
Midfielder
Brazil
25
Another South American plying his trade in MLS. Another who has excellent close control with great vision and is a dead ball specialist. He really is that link between midfield and attack. Essentially right footed, there is an argument that he’s two footed as he can score, create and provide defence splitting passes with his left. He loves the position out on the left where he can cut in onto his right and curl one in.
Other New York Red Bulls players to watch: Bradley Wright-Phillips (forward) Dax McCarty (midfielder)
ORLANDO CITY
Kaka
Midfielder
Brazil
33
It’s probably a little unfair but when you think of Orlando City you only really think of Kaka. He is the figure-head, focal point and basically the star. Though he is a little long in the tooth, expect him to be the difference maker, as long as he has team mates on the same wave length and willing to put the work in around him. Kaka still possesses a superb touch and deceiving skill on the ball, as well as his trademark foraging runs forward and powerful shot. He also still can pull out the odd special free kick when he’s ready.
Other Orlando City players to watch: Cyle Larin (forward) Brek Shea (defender)
PHILADELPHIA UNION
CJ Sapong
Forward
USA
27
He could be a real key addition to Union and something they are in dire need of. He is an imposing figure, strong and powerful with the ability to hold up play and run with the ball. Good in the air but also very capable on the deck, he‘s a real handful for defenders. A former rookie of the year. He is fully established in the league and the move to Philadelphia could have given him that refresher he needed to really take his game to the next level.
Other Philadelphia Union players to watch: Sebastien Le Toux (midfielder) Vincent Nogueira (midfielder)
TORONTO FC
Sebastian Giovinco
Forward
Italy
29
At 29 and still very much playing in his prime. He went on a tear in his first season in the MLS and electrified by rattling in goals galore to take the league’s MVP award. His low centre of gravity allows him to have great close control, touch and skill on the ball. This is all topped off obviously by his lethal finishing. He can make his own goals by beating a player or striking them from distance, as well as knowing where to be to poach a few.
Other Toronto Fc players to watch: Michael Bradley (midfielder) Jozy Altidore (forward)
