International Flavour: 3 Designated Players we want in MLS next season
Major League Soccer's brightest stars were on display this week as the MLS All-Stars took on Real Madrid in Chicago. Fans bore witness to some excellent soccer by Bastian Schweinsteiger, David Villa, Kaka, and Co., and one has to wonder if next year's All-Star crop will be even mightier.
Indeed, the signings of big-name Designated Players have made MLS a talking point around the world, so here are three more star signings we'd love to see in time for the 2018 season:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Few players are as charismatic, intimidating, and utterly dominant as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, as shown during his successful spells at clubs like Internazionale, Paris Saint-Germain, and most recently, Manchester United. His latest stop at Old Trafford ended with a serious knee injury, from which he is now recovering.
He's in a bit of a curious position at the moment, neither contracted with the Red Devils, nor entirely absent from Jose Mourinho's plans. As such, it seems the big Swede's future will be decided next January, when and if he returns to full fighting fitness. But a January opening is perfect for MLS to swoop in, too.
The pitch most likely to be made is a starring role at expansion Los Angeles FC, where the notorious 35-year-old striker could write another chapter in his storied career. Besides, Zlatan said it himself: he's already conquered England.
Arjen Robben
Out of contract at the end of the year and nearing retirement at 33, Dutchman Arjen Robben might be looking to bring his signature moves stateside for the 2018 season. You know the one - run toward the opposition left-back, cut in, unleash a curling left-footed shot, and celebrate. He's quite the expert at it.
MLS full-backs would be shaking at the prospect of stopping the wily right winger; few are capable of handling some of the league's current right wing options, and even fewer offer the pace and power needed to stop Robben in his tracks. As such, Robben would terrorize enemy backlines.
While his role at Bayern Munich remains intact, Robben might want to make the switch over to MLS with a team like the New York Red Bulls, who could use a star winger, or perhaps he'd enjoy a reunion with Schweinsteiger in Chicago.
Yaya Toure
Another player on an expiring contract, Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure still has plenty in the tank for a solid stint in the U.S. as a bruising presence in the middle of the park.
The Ivorian international is 34, but his penchant for passing and his movement in midfield would make him a valuable asset for a number of MLS teams. He'd need to be paired with a more defense-minded partner, though, as questions of his stamina and commitment to logging miles did arise during his prior two years at City.
But under the instruction of Pep Guardiola, Toure rebounded well in the 2016-17 season and showed his timeless quality, making him an interesting option for a team like the Colorado Rapids or D.C. United.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)