7. Yoshimar Yotun – Orlando City and Peru
28-year-old Peruvian international Yoshimar Yotun has been playing in the MLS since August 2017, when he joined Orlando City from Malmo in Sweden. Renowned for his versatility, Yotun is a bit of an all-rounder, and he is capable of playing on the left wing, at left back or even in the centre of midfield. Capped 70 times by Peru, Yotun will most likely operate in a central midfield role in Russia.
6. Rodney Wallace – New York City and Costa Rica
Rodney Wallace #13 of Costa Rica dribbles the ball against Cedric Fabien #5 of French Guiana during the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup at Toyota Stadium on July 14, 2017 in Frisco, Texas.
Five of Costa Rica’s 23 man squad play their club football in America, and two of them do so for New York City FC. Ronald Matarrita is one, and Rodney Wallace is the other. Along with Ian Smith, Rodney Wallace serves as a clear indication that not all Costa Ricans have as exotic sounding names as Giancarlo Gonzalez or Cristian Gamboa. Wallace is a left winger who previously spent four years with Portland Timbers, and he’s unlikely to start many games in Russia.
5. Gustav Svensson – Seattle Sounders and Sweden
The only US-based player representing a European nation at the 2018 World Cup, Gustav Svensson has been with Seattle Sounders since January 2017. Another capable utility player renowned for his versatility, Svensson can play at centre-back or in central midfield, but is probably at his best in defensive midfield. Svensson is unlikely to start but his versatility could come in handy for the Swedes.
4. Roman Torres – Seattle Sounders and Panama
Panama’s Roman Torres poses after disembarking from an airplane at Saransk airport on June 7, 2018, as Panama’s national football team arrives ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup. (Photo…
The second consecutive Seattle Sounders player in this seven, Roman Torres is the defensive linchpin operating at the centre of a back three in Panama’s defence. The experienced centre-back or sweeper is strong in the air and strong in the tackle. Capped more than 100 times by Panama, Torres has been with the Sounders since 2015, and he scored the goal which took Panama to this summer’s World Cup.
3. Jonathan dos Santos – LA Galaxy and Mexico
There have always been good Mexican players in the MLS, and right now is no exception. Jonathan dos Santos was once a highly-regarded prospect in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, and he made 28 appearances over five seasons in the Barca first team. He left Barcelona for Villareal, before joining the Galaxy in 2017. Technically gifted and an excellent passer of the ball, it’s touch and go whether dos Santos will start for Mexico.
2. Giovani dos Santos – LA Galaxy and Mexico
Giovani dos Santos of Mexico chests the ball during a training session at FC Strogino Stadium on June 12, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.
The older brother of Jonathan, both dos Santos brothers began their careers at Barcelona, both had spells with Villareal, both now play for LA Galaxy and both are in Mexico’s squad for the 2018 World Cup. They’re pretty inseparable then, and it was tough to split them apart in this seven. The older Giovani tends to play as either a forward or as an attacking midfielder. A quick and positive player who is good on the ball, dos Santos has bagged 25 goals in 77 games in LA, and we’d be surprised if he didn’t start for Mexico in Russia.
1. Carlos Vela – Los Angeles FC and Mexico
That’s right, the top three all represent Mexico at international level and all play their club football in Los Angeles. Unlike the dos Santos brothers, though, Vela doesn’t play for the Galaxy, but the newer franchise of LAFC. Quick, tricky and a constant goal threat, the former Arsenal man has been prolific since moving to the MLS earlier this year, scoring 7 goals in 12 games, and he’ll almost certainly start on the right flank for Mexico in Russia.
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