Major League Soccer kicks off its 22nd season this weekend. We preview an XI of ex-Premier League stars who will feature in MLS 2017.
Tim Howard (Colorado Rapids) – Since leaving Everton, the Rapids’ Tim Howard has been one of MLS’ stand out goalkeepers – despite missing a large part of 2016 with injury. Howard, now 37, returned to is homeland as one of Colorado’s Designated Players last year – a full 13 years since his last MLS appearance for the New York Metrostars in 2003.
Jonathan Spector (Orlando City) – The former West Ham United defender, 30, signed with Orlando from Championship side Birmingham City in January. Spector, a 36-time American international, will make his MLS bow this season having spent his entire playing career in England – which began as a Manchester United academy graduate.
Liam Ridgewell (Portland Timbers) – The defender’s time in England consisted of spells at midlands clubs Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion – so it was somewhat of a surprise when Ridgewell flew the nest and landed in MLS in 2014. The last two seasons has seen Ridgewell become a vital part of the Timbers’ back line, including being named club captain.
Jelle Van Damme (Los Angeles Galaxy) – The sometime erratic central defender qualifies for this XI by virtue of his six Premier League appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their ultimately doomed 2010-11 campaign. Van Damme joined the Galaxy in 2016 and quickly became a firm fans favourite for his uncompromising approach to the game. Van Damme will captain LA for the upcoming 2017 campaign.
Ashley Cole (Los Angeles Galaxy) – Arguably the most successful former Premier League star in MLS, LA’s Ashley Cole begins his second year stateside this weekend. Cole’s MLS career to date has been largely ineffective – including two red cards in a disappointing 2016 for the former Arsenal and Chelsea man. Cole enters the 2017 season without fellow ex-Premier League stalwarts, Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane – who both departed LA at the end of 2016.
Michael Bradley (Toronto FC) – A vital part of the US Men’s National Team, midfielder Michael Bradley plays his club football at Toronto FC, alongside the majestic Sebastian Giovinco and another former Premier League man, striker Jozy Altidore. Bradley played three times for Aston Villa in the 2010-11 Premier League season -during a loan spell in which Bradley was unable to demonstrate his true quality.
Giles Barnes (Orlando City) – Once tipped to be a future Premier League star, Orlando’s Giles Barnes struggled to fulfil his early potential at Derby County, Fulham and West Brom – and left English shores in 2012 to sign for MLS outfit Houston Dynamo. After four years in Texas, Barnes, now 28, was traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2016, before joining Orlando ahead of the 2017 season.
Giovani dos Santos (Los Angeles Galaxy) – Alongside the likes of reigning MVP David Villa of New York City FC, Ignacio Piatti of Montreal Impact, TFC’s Giovinco, Orlando’s Kaka and Nicolas Lodeiro of the Sounders, former Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur protégé Giovani dos Santos is regarded as one of the most talented forces in MLS. Giovani’s Premier League struggles ended in 2012 with a move to Spain, before signing -and flourishing – with MLS in 2015.
Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders) – Another former Spurs man, Clint Dempsey, played in England’s top flight between 2007 and 2013 – mostly for Fulham. The American international, known affectionately by his rapper alias ‘Deuce’, was lauded upon his return to MLS four years ago – but missed a large chunk of the 2016 campaign with a heart issue. Pleasingly, Dempsey was cleared to resume his career in time for this upcoming 2017 season.
Kevin Doyle (Colorado Rapids) – Another former Wolves player to make this XI, forward Kevin Doyle has flattered to deceive so far in MLS. Since joining the Rapids in 2015, Doyle has scored just five times and, if his 2016 form continues, may find playing time limited in 2017.
Bradley Wright-Phillips (New York Red Bulls) – In an underwhelming career in English football, Wright-Phillips debuted with Manchester City before a rather nomadic existence in the second and third tiers with Southampton, Plymouth Argyle and Charlton Athletic. Wright-Phillips’ resurgence arrived in the form of a 2013 move to New York Red Bulls – where the forward has been a goal-machine, topping MLS scoring charts by winning the Golden Boot in 2014 and 2016. Wright-Phiilips is currently the Red Bulls’ all time top scorer.
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