How 5 former Premier League stars will fare in their first full MLS season

The start of the 2016 MLS season is fast approaching and for five former Premier League stars, their first full campaign in North America presents, perhaps, their last chance at tasting glory.

How will these iconic players fare in MLS this season? Here's how we rank them:

5) Ashley Cole - LA Galaxy

Ashley Cole joins the LA Galaxy at the tail end of his career, and while the club didn't necessarily need his services, having the former Chelsea man in the line-up doesn't hurt.

Fresh off a bust stint with Roma, if Cole simply puts in one more solid season to round off his career, it'll be considered a success. From there, he'll be free to retire and enjoy the LA coastline.

4) Frank Lampard - New York City FC

Frank Lampard joined New York City FC midway through the club's inaugural campaign out of Manchester City and slotted in alongside Italian icon Andrea Pirlo, who was tasked with free-kick duty.

With Lampard limited to the open play, he'll need to adapt to the speed and physicality of the league while providing defensive cover. It's a tough task for the 37-year-old, whose endurance will be tested.

Should injuries creep up on him once more, the former Chelsea star might just fizzle out by the end of the season.

3) Steven Gerrard - LA Galaxy

Steven Gerrard isn't the only big-name midfielder at the LA Galaxy this season, as he's now joined by Nigel de Jong.

Gerrard joined the Galaxy last summer halfway through the season and was criticized for his inability to keep up with the team's defensive shape. At 35, the former Liverpool skipper has lost a step. But with De Jong behind him, Gerrard can now play with more freedom and show off his creative attacking chops once more.

He'll have former Reds teammate Robbie Keane, Mexican forward Giovani Dos Santos, and young U.S. international Gyasi Zardes up top in what could be his final season playing the beautiful game.

2) Nigel de Jong - LA Galaxy

De Jong joins the LA Galaxy with an appreciation for U.S. sports culture, but owes his spot on the team to some clever salary cap maneuvering on Galaxy boss Bruce Arena's part. He also joins with one clear job: to shore up the midfield.

With Gerrard and Dos Santos focusing on the attack, De Jong will need to be the anchor in midfield.

Luckily, he's got the physicality and durability needed to survive and thrive over a long MLS campaign.

1) Didier Drogba - Montreal Impact

Of the former Premier League regulars who now call MLS home, the Montreal Impact's star striker Didier Drogba is primed for the best season. He scored 11 goals in as many league games last season, after all.

The former Chelsea man will need to keep that scoring form up throughout the 2016 season and, if he does, he can compete for a few scoring records.

Related - Impact man: 3 ways Drogba can surpass the legend of Marco Di Vaio

While he'll need to stay hungry and healthy, Drogba's set to dominate if he continues playing the way he did in 2015.