The 2009 MLS Season is set to kick off in a week and the new year will bring with it new faces from around the world.
The influx of international talent continues to help fill the lineups and rosters of Major League Soccer and this year's class if international newcomers. The Seattle Sounders are leading the way with the best crop of international newcomers, led by Freddie Ljungberg and Freddy Montero, while the New York Red Bulls have signed Albert Celades and are poised to sign Carlos Johnson and Alfredo Pacheco.
Here is a look at the SBI Best XI of international newcomers to MLS:
2009 SBI MLS Best XI international newcomers
———–Fredy Montero———-Pablo Vitti———–
———————Freddie Ljungberg——————–
Sanna Nyassi——————————Santiago Hirsig
———-Osvaldo Alonso——Albert Celades———–
Alfredo Pacheco——-JK Hurtado——–Carlos Johnson
———————Donovan Ricketts——————–
(Pacheco, who has all but signed for the Red Bulls, replaces Daniel Torres, who readers rightly pointed out had a prior stint in MLS and is therefore not a newcomer)
Here is the poll question for today. Which international newcomer to MLS do you see having the biggest impact this season?
What do you think of this year's class of international newcomers? Think it's strong? Weak? What player are you most looking forward to seeing?
Share your thoughts below.