MLS Season Preview: Top 10 Players Heading Into 2015

The storylines seem endless thanks to the injection of talent.

Yet, even without the high-profile additions, the league boasts plenty of players with the capability of overshadowing some of the new boys.

Here’s a ranking of the top 10 players heading into the 2015 season:

10. Michael Bradley - Toronto FC

The newly anointed captain of Major League Soccer’s most famous disappointment will be the glue in the Toronto FC midfield. While he’s bursting with talent on the pitch, his leadership in the dressing room should go a long way in ending the club’s playoff drought.

9. Obafemi Martins - Seattle Sounders

His talents in front of goal are well documented, but it’s Obafemi Martins’ ability to act as provider that makes him one of the most valuable and dangerous players in the league. Martins will play a major role once again in the Sounders’ quest to get back to the MLS Cup Final.

8. Bradley Wright-Phillips – New York Red Bulls

Bradley Wright-Phillips could see a dip in productivity without Thierry Henry around to set him up in front of goal. But Wright-Phillips’ Midas touch in front of goal is a danger to all opponents, especially with the help of Lloyd Sam, whose midfield role will have increased importance with the absence of Henry.

7. Clint Dempsey – Seattle Sounders

Get ready for another heavy dose of Clint Dempsey in the Seattle Sounders attacking scheme. The American, coupled with a bevy of talent, will continue to terrorize defenders with his piercing runs and inventive play.

6. Frank Lampard – New York City FC

Frank Lampard’s incomparable ability to find pockets of space in the midfield should propel him into one of the top players of MLS.

5. Kaka – Orlando City FC

While his skills aren’t up to the level that made him one of the worlds greatest with AC Milan, Kaka should have a major impact on Orlando City FC’s first season. His ability to show flashes of brilliance and success on the pitch will likely determine Orlando’s success.

4. Sebastian Giovinco – Toronto FC

Sebastian Giovinco could easily turn out to be the offseason’s biggest acquisition. The fact that he’s in the prime of his career and has finally been given the reins to lead a midfield could see Giovinco’s name in the mix for MVP honours by season’s end.

3. Steven Gerrard – LA Galaxy

He’s a major upgrade to a team with the taste of champagne in their mouths after December’s MLS Cup victory and will be the focal point in a talented Galaxy midfield.

2. Robbie Keane – LA Galaxy

Entering his fourth season, it’s hard to argue any foreign player is more valuable to his club than Robbie Keane. The 34-year-old doesn’t seem to be slowing down and displays the scoring touch that so many teams would love to possess. Don’t bet against Keane topping the list sooner rather than later.

1. David Villa – New York City FC

David Villa’s inclusion alone makes New York City FC’s attack one of the most lethal in the MLS. The Spaniard is the top offseason signing to join the league and could easily give Bradley Wright-Phillips a run for his money among the league’s top scorers.