MLS Season Preview: Top 5 Newcomers
A new MLS season means a group of new faces will grace North American pitches.
The 2015 MLS campaign gets underway Friday, with each of the league's 20 clubs possessing a number of newcomers. Some have arrived from Europe or South America with the aim of earning more playing time than they were receiving at their previous side. Some are American players who wanted to return home. Others are rookies who were drafted in the MLS SuperDraft.
However - and this is the case each year - this season's newcomers are arguably the most talented class to ever enter an MLS campaign, and they'll command a significant amount of attention once the ball gets rolling.
So, without further Adu ado, here are the top five newcomers for the 2015 MLS season:
5. Cyle Larin
Club: Orlando City SC
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Arrived from: 1st overall pick in 2015 MLS SuperDraft
Analysis: If the hype is to be believed, Larin should make an instant impact at Orlando City, who selected him with their first overall pick in this year's MLS SuperDraft.
The Canadian forward's rave reviews stem from his two seasons at the University of Connecticut, where he notched 23 goals in 39 matches and was rewarded with a generation Adidas contract, meaning he won't count against Orlando's salary cap.
Assuming Larin can link up with fellow newcomer Kaka at the Citrus Bowl, Orlando City appear poised for an impressive inaugural season in front of goal.
4. Mix Diskerud
Club: New York City FC
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder
Arrived from: Rosenborg
Analysis: Diskerud is already making an impact at New York City FC, having fired the first shots in what should be a phenomenal rivalry between NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls.
"I hate the Red Bull," said Diskerud at a jersey-release event Monday.
However, while the 24-year-old playmaker's words will certainly go over well with the club's supporters, his impact on the pitch will likely allow for further endearment.
After three seasons at Norwegian side Rosenborg, Diskerud - who was part of the U.S. Men's National Team squad at the World Cup and has consistently been praised by manager Jurgen Klinsmann - will be surrounded by talent as he plays alongside fellow newcomers Frank Lampard and David Villa.
All signs point to NYCFC racking up goals throughout the season and Diskerud's assist tally should be fairly impressive if Villa is in top form.
3. Frank Lampard
Club: New York City FC
Age: 36
Position: Midfielder
Arrived from: Manchester City
Analysis: After a great deal of misinformation and speculation, English midfield icon Lampard put pen to paper on a two-year deal with NYCFC in January.
Although Lampard will only join NYCFC in June, midway through the MLS campaign, his arrival in the Big Apple bodes well for the nascent club. Despite being 36 years old, Lampard's super-sub appearances for City in the Premier League season indicate there's more than enough gas left in the tank for him to thrive in North America.
He's notched five goals and one assist through 22 league appearances for City - 19 of which were as a substitute - and his versatility in the midfield will surely allow for Diskerud to press higher up the pitch while Villa receives excellent service in the 18-yard box.
Lampard might be initially winded when he arrives at NYCFC following a long Premier League season, but it's hard to see his move to MLS not providing the club with an immense boost.
2. Sebastian Giovinco
Club: Toronto FC
Age: 28
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Arrived from: Juventus
Analysis: Supporters of Toronto FC are undoubtedly hoping Sebastian Giovinco is capable of guiding the club to their first-ever playoff appearance in what will be their ninth MLS season.
The move to Toronto brought an end to Giovinco's time at Juventus, where he found himself on the fringes of Massimiliano Allegri's squad rotation and only made seven Serie A appearances this campaign, five as a substitute.
However, while he may not have been enough to compete for regular playing time at Juventus, Giovinco should thrive across the Atlantic Ocean as there's no reason to suggest his form has dipped considerably since 2011-12, when he registered 15 goals and 11 assists while on loan at Parma. Simply put, Giovinco is a great player who's just not quite good enough for Juventus.
He'll wear the No. 10 shirt at BMO Field, an appropriate number given his ability to take out backlines in an attacking midfield role, and his reported $7-million annual salary will be welcomed by Toronto's supporters if he can get the club to the playoffs.
1. Kaka
Club: Orlando City SC
Age: 32
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Arrived from: Sao Paulo
Analysis: Brace yourself for some samba futebol.
Orlando City's signing of Kaka has all the makings of a massive deal: a Brazilian football legend, a former World Cup winner, a $7.1-million annual salary, and a club whose base of supporters appear poised to make some serious noise within MLS circles.
However, Kaka's move to MLS stands to go well beyond the hype. While some are under the impression his best playing days are behind him at the age of 32, remember only one season ago he notched seven goals and four assists in 30 appearances for AC Milan, who probably wish he were still at the San Siro given their form this campaign.
In last year's Brasileirao, South America's most competitive league, Kaka's numbers weren't quite as impressive, as he only managed two goals and one assist in 19 appearances.
That can probably be put down to the fact that speedier players thrive in Brazilian football, however. MLS isn't a league built on speed, and Kaka's ability to send lethal through balls, make key passes and convert set pieces have him poised for a return to top form.