David Villa: European leagues should consider MLS playoff format

New York City FC striker David Villa says European leagues ought to look at Major League Soccer's format of staging playoffs after the regular season for inspiration in order to increase the level of competition among top teams.

The Spanish striker has plenty of experience playing in the European top flight, having suited up for clubs like Valencia and Barcelona before making the switch to MLS, and says leagues like La Liga should consider a playoff format.

"Right now, after the final of the season, 12 teams have a chance at winning the trophy," Villa said, as quoted by MLSsoccer. "This is very exciting for every team, for the country, for the people, for people who love soccer. I like it.

"I like this format. Europe can copy this format. Sometimes in Europe, in some leagues like the Spanish league or the Italian league, the last 10 games are very boring for winning the trophy because there's only two teams. Sometimes one team has the best chance of winning."

Villa's NYCFC team takes on Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference semifinal round - the franchise's first-ever playoff fixture in just its second season in MLS. While Villa has enjoyed plenty of success against the Reds in the last two seasons, he's kept up with the rest of his opposition, too.

"I watch every game," Villa said of the MLS playoffs. "Of course, more attention for our conference because one of these teams for sure play against us for Sunday. I watch the other games too because I like soccer."