The 2018 Major League Soccer season has seen plenty of twists and turns while new players have starred for their respective clubs.
The league announced the 2018 MLS Best XI on Sunday and several stars were selected as part of the league’s best. LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez, and LAFC’s Carlos Vela headlined the 11-player squad.
Overall, the squad had a combined 123 goals scored which was 53 more than Atlanta United scored as the league’s most productive offensive team. The front line also had 65 goals between them, more than all but four MLS teams.
The New York Red Bulls, Atlanta United, and D.C. United all had two nominees while five other teams were represented.
Here is the MLS Best XI for 2018:
Goalkeeper: Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew)
Defenders: Chad Marshall (Seattle Sounders), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Kemar Lawrence (New York Red Bulls).
Midfielders: Carlos Vela (LAFC), Luciano Acosta (D.C. United), Ignacio Piatti (Montreal Impact), Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United).
Forwards: Wayne Rooney (D.C. United), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (LA Galaxy), Josef Martinez (Atlanta United).
3 Americans out of 11. Not a good sign for America’s top flight league.
I had the same initial reaction. But then i thought that it would be the same in the EPL. No, were not anywhere near that level, of course, but we’re not the only league that deals with this.
Having said that, if we are to become a top feeder league, at the level of Eredivise, then MLS does not do take steps to correct this imbalance.
Alternatively, you could say that 5 of the 11 are from CONCACAF, In addition, 7 of the 11 are from the Americas.
Make that 8 from the America’s. If I was commissioner, I would like this blend.
A fair observation, and worthy of attention. But it could mean a lot of things.
On the other hand, it is a sign of the improvement of the league that a number of these players had been and could still be playing on good teams in Europe. Also, I’m a big fan of Diego Valeri. I think he could play in a top 5 league and do very well and he doesn’t even make this year’s best XI. I think they should name a second team, too.