Mexico boss Osorio: MLS will be 'among the best leagues in the world'

Mexico national team manager Juan Carlos Osorio has some kind words for Major League Soccer, saying that the North American top flight is on pace to become one of the world's best.

In Los Angeles for a tour of LAFC's facilities and to promote El Tri's May 27 friendly with Croatia, the Colombian gaffer spoke highly of the strides MLS is making.

"With what they have shown us today, I have no doubt that MLS is continuing to make firm strides towards excellence and that soon it will be among the best leagues in the world," Osorio said, courtesy of ESPN FC.

After spells managing both the Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls, Osorio would know better than most the progress that MLS has made since its foundation in December 1993.

With New York, Osorio led the club to first place in the Western Conference and its first-ever MLS Cup final spot in 2008 before losing to the Columbus Crew 3-1. The following season was the polar opposite, as the Red Bulls finished with a dire 2-16-4 record that prompted Osorio's resignation in August 2009.

Even in praising MLS, Osorio believes the national team is best served by having its players in Europe, an idea the manager expressed in March.

"I think there are Mexican players that deserve to go abroad and, as long as clubs facilitate that, I think the future of Mexican football will be more recognised and the national team will benefit."