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It's been a great year or so for MLS fans. In the past year, the likes of Frank Lampard, David Villa, Kaka, Steven Gerrard, Sebastian Giovinco and Andrea Pirlo have all relocated to North America, hoping to continue the rise and popularity of soccer. And it doesn't look like a trend that's going to end soon either as Chelsea legend, Didier Drogba is the next footballer to join the MLS revolution, recently signing with the Montreal Impact.
The MLS is probably at its peak right now when it comes to star talent but there's definitely room for more. We take a look at three players who should join the MLS next.
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic
While most strikers would be declining by now, 33-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not most strikers. One of the most talented footballers even today, the Swedish international has shown no signs of slowing down at PSG. However, he isn't getting younger and with the reported problems in Paris, there are rumours of Zlatan potentially moving away from France.
AC Milan have been linked but Zlatan should join the MLS instead. On tour in America with PSG, the forward spoke up about the possibility of doing just that:
“I would like to play in the U.S., absolutely,” Ibrahimovic said. “I think [playing in MLS] would be an amazing experience. I see that soccer is growing a lot in the US. I was here 10 years ago and soccer was not on the level that it is today, but it’s growing. It’s growing in the right direction and I want it to be on the level of Europe. It will come here.”
If it were to happen, Zlatan would no doubt, be the biggest star to join the MLS and it would do wonders for building the interest of soccer in North America as well as the publicity and attractiveness of the league for other superstars.
Victor Valdes
While there have been loads of midfielders and strikers from Europe joining the MLS, there is an alarming lack of top goalkeepers in the league. Victor Valdes could change that as he is currently in a limbo right now at Manchester United. One of the most decorated goalkeepers with three Champions League titles, two Euros and a World Cup, Valdes is currently second choice to David de Gea at Old Trafford.
But with the recent drama involving him and Louis van Gaal who claimed the Spaniard refused to play for the reserves, Valdes' United future is already in doubt and with Sergio Romero joining the Red Devils, something has to give.
Valdes has been linked with Sevilla and Valencia among other clubs but an interesting link has popped up with him potentially moving to the Seattle Sounders, joining names like Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, which would no doubt, strengthen them immensely. It would certainly make things more interesting especially with New York City FC and the LA Galaxy boasting the most stars currently.
Alberto Aquilani
While Alberto Aquilani never reached his true potential at Liverpool thanks to a series of injuries, the Italian midfielder is still a decent midfielder who flourished in Florence thanks to his fine passing ability. A player who has played with the likes of Roma, AC Milan and Juventus, Aquilani has the experience and ability to make a difference in the MLS.
Currently a free agent after ending his three year spell at Fiorentina, 31-year-old Aquilani could do worse than to join an MLS team. He'd be contributing to the growth of soccer in America while at the same time, being one of the key players of a team and getting a healthy payday as well.
His agent Andrea D’Amico even said a move to America wouldn't be unlikely back in April:
“He’s a player with a great record,” D’Amico said in the report. “I haven’t spoken to anyone, but I’m sure we’ll get a satisfactory outcome, a high-level project, whether that’s in Italy or abroad.
“The MLS, where [Toronto FC’s Sebastian] Giovinco now plays, will soon become an important league with all the multimedia communication which we’ve neglected.”
With the Montreal Impact linked with the Italian international, Aquilani could potentially link up with Drogba and widen the competition - a very promising prospect.
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