Top 5 players with the most MLS assists

Since the first MLS season in 1996 with ten teams, the top-flight league in North America has grown massively into one of the biggest leagues in world football.

The MLS has come a long way and currently attracts some of the world's best footballers, with some of the most brilliant stadiums and facilities on offer in the USA and Canada.

While the business of the MLS might need more help to break into the elite leagues of the world, the quality of footballers in the league has increased, resulting in the games being more competitive and players getting more creative.

Here we take a look at the five players with the most assists in MLS history.

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#5 Preki - 112 assists

Preki during his time at Everton

Predrag Radosavljevi? most commonly referred to as Preki is a former American national footballer and currently a manager of the Division II USL team Saint Louis FC. A former central attacking creative midfielder, the Serbian-born, American national began his career with Red Star Belgrade in 1982.

Preki is part of a system of footballers to have played indoor and outdoor football professionally during various spells in his career. Mixing the two brands and styles of football, Preki developed his game in all areas with his experience and knowledge.

Before the commencement of the MLS, Preki played Premier League football in England with Everton for two seasons, before moving to Portsmouth for a year.

In 1996, Preki moved to Kansas City Wizards where he spent seven of his final eight years as a competitive footballer, making two hundred plus appearances for the club.

During his time in the MLS, Preki was one of the most influential and creative players who racked up 112 assists to his name and is currently fifth on the all-time assist list.

#4 Carlos Valderrama - 114 assists

Carlos Valderrama

Former Colombian captain and legendary midfield general, Carlos Valderrama spent most of his career playing in South America and Europe before the MLS began in 1996 and spent his last couple of years in the USA.

The winner of the South American footballer of the year on three separate occasions, Valderrama is the most capped Colombian player with 111 appearances to his name. El Pibe or 'The Kid' as he is commonly referred too, the midfielder played for Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion and Colorado Rapids in the MLS.

With a staggering 114 assists in six years for three different MLS clubs, the Colombian is fourth on the all-time list of assists made. A member of the golden generation of his country's footballing revolution in the 90's, El Pibe carried the Colombian torch for five Copa America's during his 20-year long international career.

One of the calmest, most creative footballers to have graced the game, the style and persona of the spunky haired former Colombian captain in addition to his skill and game sense inspired millions who watched him play.

#3 Brad Davis - 123 assists

Davis in a game between San Jose Earthquakes v Houston Dynamo

Former American footballer and MLS veteran, Brad Davis is third on the all-time list for the most assists made by players in the history of the league. Missouri born, left winger, Davis began his career with MetroStars in 2002, after which he moved to Dallas Burn and San Jose Earthquakes for a year each.

In 2006 on MLS draft day, the American moved to Houston Dynamos where he spent the next decade honing his skills and ability as a player with the club. Capped 17 times for the USA, Davis made 271 appearances for the Dynamos scoring 41 goals as well.

Despite leaving the Dynamos in 2015 to join Sporting Kansas City for a season, Davis returned to Houston a year later. However, he didn't make any more appearances in his second spell at the club and called time on his 15-year long career.

#2 Steve Ralston - 135 assists

Ralston vying for the MLS Cup in 2005

Retired American footballer, Steve Ralston began his professional career with the commencement of the MLS in 1996. The American was drafted into the Tampa Bay Mutiny, where he sent five years making over 150 appearances for the team.

In 2002, the 36 time capped American international, moved to New England Revolution and played 201 games for the club, scoring 42 goals, during his seven-year stay with the club.

Currently the assistant coach at San Jose Earthquakes, Ralston enjoyed a fruitful career as he sits third on the all-time assists list in MLS history, with 135 assists during his 15-year career in the MLS. The American called time on his career in 2010, ending a brilliant career and moved on to coaching the next generation of US football stars.

#1 Landon Donovan - 136 assists

Donovan in the 2014 MLS Cup

Landon Donovan is one of the most decorated US footballers of all-time. The prestigious MLS MVP award is given to the best player of the year, Donovan himself received the award four times during his career. To honour the player's achievements in the sport the MLS renamed the award to the Landon Donovan MVP award.

The American attacking player holds the record for completing the most number of assists in the league's history, since its inception in 1996, with 136 assists to his name. Donovon spent a large part of his young career learning the game he loves in Germany, before cementing his legacy as one of the most successful MLS players in its young history.

A decorated player for the national team as well, Donovan is the second most capped US footballer and is joint-first with Clint Dempsey as the most prolific goal-scorer the country has ever produced. In 2017, Donovan joined a small group of private partnership owners in a bid to bring an MLS franchise to San Diego, California, similar to what Beckham is trying to achieve with Miami.