Top 5 international players in MLS 2020

Major League Soccer has been on the rise and with each passing year, the league is getting bigger than ever. Legendary players like David Villa, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Thiery Henry, Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard have already graced the league, and many more talents are flocking to play in the MLS.

The Major League Soccer consists of 24 teams of which 21 are from the United States, and three are from Canada. Further, these teams are divided into two conferences, East and West. The top seven sides from each conference progress to the playoffs stage. Following the playoff rounds of each conference, the winners clash in one ultimate game of the season called the MLS Cup where they see out each other for the trophy.

Seattle Sounders won the league last year and would be looking to defend their title but face stiff competition from others who have shaped their squad well to have a go at it again. Addressed as retirement league often, the MLS is now home to some of the top talents from all across the world.

Without further ado, here we take a look at top five international players in the Major League Soccer:

#5. Maximiliano Moralez

Maximiliano Moralez has been one of the best midfielders plying his trade in the MLS. The New York City FC attacking midfielder was quite vital for his side last term. The Argentine found the net on 7 occasions and also set up 12 goals for his side. The Argentine also assisted once in the playoffs against Toronto FC which his side eventually lost.

Moralez remains a key player for The Pigeons who unlocks the opposition teams' defensive structures with his exemplary vision and creativity. The 32-year-old helped the NYC FC finish at the top of the Eastern Conference table.

The Argentine is an excellent playmaker who creates a lot of chances for his teammates to score. He acts as a fluid passage between the defenders and forwards.

Also Read: 5 Most famous footballers to have played in the MLS

#4. Javier Hernandez

Los Angeles Galaxy introduce Javier Chicharito Hernandez

Javier Hernandez swapped La Liga for Major League Soccer earlier this month and joined Los Angeles Galaxy after leaving Sevilla. LA Galaxy snapped up the Mexican for a reported fee of €8.5 million.

Chicharito embarked on the season with West Ham United in the Premier League and even played two games for the Hammers before sealing a move to Spain. His time in Spain was not as fruitful as he expected it to be as he scored just three goals for Los Nervionenses in all competitions. Following the footsteps of fellow Mexican Carlos Vela, the former Manchester United star signed for the MLS club to revive his lost touch.

Chicharito had a good 18/19 season with the Hammers but struggled to replicate his form for the Spanish side. But the player seems eager to announce himself to his new club in style and become a contender for the MLS Golden Boot.

#3. Alejandro Pozuelo

Alejandro Pozuelo signed for Toronto FC from FC Genk for a reported fee of €9 million. The Spaniard's first job was to replace the outgoing Sebastian Giovinco. The Italian was one of the best players to play for the Canadian club, and Pozuelo was signed to fill the void left in by Giovinco.

Despite the pressure early on, the attacking midfielder scored 12 goals for Toronto FC. He even registered seven assists to his name. He took his overall tally to 14 goals and 10 assists as he scored two goals and assisted thrice in the playoffs as well. The 28-year-old, with his incredible playmaking skills, dribbling, creativity and vision, made a name for himself in a short span of time.

Pozuelo, after having a stellar debut season with Toronto, would be looking to influence his side's performances, even more, this season. After having impressed in the previous campaign, all eyes would be on him.

#2. Josef Martinez

Minnesota United FC v Atlanta United FC: Final - 2019 U.S. Open Cup

Josef Martinez has been one of the most consistent players in the MLS. The Venezuelan, following a cracking season with Atlanta United FC in 2018 in which he scored 31 goals and five assists, racked up 27 goals in 2019 in MLS. Adding on to his tally, he scored one goal in the playoffs as well.

Gerardo Martino tapped his potential and brought the best out of him and since then he has never looked back. Martinez took time to adapt to Frank de Boer's philosophy, but after struggling initially got into the groove, he ended up smashing 27 goals. The 26-year-old fell just seven goals short of the Golden Boot and would be raring to have a go at it again.

The Venezuelan is a lethal striker whose physicality helps him beat defenders with ease and win duels. Martinez would be vying the replicate similar performances for his side this campaign too.

#1. Carlos Vela

Carlos Vela has been one of the best players in Major League Soccer for the past couple of years. The Mexican international joined Los Angeles FC from Real Sociedad in 2018 for a reported fee of €5 million and since then has transformed into a goal-scoring machine.

Vela was named the Most Valuable Player at the end of the 2019 MLS campaign after demolishing oppositions week in, week out. The forward also bagged the MLS Golden Boot for scoring 34 goals last season, whilst also setting up 10 goals. The former Arsenal man scored twice and assisted once in the playoffs too. Vela's contributions helped LAFC finish on top of the Western Conference table.

The Mexican has been scintillating form his side. He has been gliding past defenders with ease before netting the ball in and has been a joy to watch. Picking up from where he left off, he would be looking to rule the league again.

Also Read: 10 best forwards of the decade

Edited by Zaid Khan