Happy New Year everyone! I just checked out the Footy Blog and Kristian Jack posted a fantastic list of his top 100 players in the Premiership. This is the source of inspiration for this piece, where I will run down the top 50 players in Major League Soccer.
I'm going to try to put away any bias I have - both towards our own players, and against certain players, like Landon Donovan, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Ahead of the 2009 season, players are both coming and going from the league, so I in order to make this list, the player has to have played in MLS. Freddie Ljungberg, for example, on Seattle Sounders FC, will likely be one of the league's top 10 players when he's healthy. Though he is currently an MLS player, he, or other players in the same situation, will not be considered.
So, enough talk, let's get to it.
50. Conor Casey (COL) - The former US international had a breakout year in MLS after a slow 2007 season. To move up on the list, he'll have to keep up his good form in 2009.
49. Marvell Wynne (TOR) - Not the best player positionally, but one of the league's top raw athletes. If he can continue to stay solid defensively and contribute offensively, he will further emerge as one of the league's best wing backs.
48. Gino Padula (CLB) - The Argentine joined Columbus after a long career in England. A mid-season injury kept him out for a number of matches, but he was immense when he was on the pitch for the Crew.
47. Jay Heaps (NER) - One of the league's veteran defenders, Heaps will be expected to lead the Revolution's backline in 2009 with the departure of Michael Parkhurst to Denmark. Weird Fact: I have his rookie card, and don't ask me how I got it.
46. Corey Gibbs (COL) - The American international was a late addition by the Rapids and helped bolster a leaky defense at the end of the 2008 season. Look for him to be a major contributor to the team in 2009.
45. Dane Richards (NYRB) - The Jamaican had a strong finish to the 2008 season, with a brilliant man of the match performance at Houston in the playoffs. He is easily one of the league's fastest players.
44. Will Johnson (RSL) - The young Canadian scored the goal of the year and could emerge as one of the league's most exciting midfielders in 2009. I'm about as bitter as anyone that we didn't sign this guy.
43. Rohan Ricketts (TOR) - He has the skill to be one of the league's top wingers, but lacked the consistency in his debut season in MLS. He was, however, Mr. Versatility for us, playing in several different positions on several occasions thanks to international call-ups.
42. Bakary Soumare (CHI) - Along with Gonzalo Segares and Wilman Conde, Bakary Samare performed in one of the league's strongest defense lines. The Malian was considering playing for the USMNT at one point.
41. Kevin Hartman (KCW) - His haircut may suck, but he's still a pretty good keeper. Age hasn't gotten the best of him, as he was one of the Wizards' consistently solid players.
40. Marcelo Gallardo (DCU) - The jury's still out on DC's designated player as he was injured for over half of the season. If you look at his stats, though, he was on pace for 8 goals and 6 assists, which isn't that bad of a return from a midfielder.
39. Chad Barrett (TOR) - On top of being capped by the US, Barrett was consistently on the scoresheet for both us and the Chicago Fire. If he can keep this up, he may emerge as one of the most dangerous strikers in MLS.
38. Chris Rolfe (CHI) - Rolfe finished off strongly, scoring a hat-trick on Prime Time against the Red Bulls in October. He is an effective player both up front and on the wing.
37. Bobby Boswell (HOU) - The star blogger flourished in Houston after a move from DC United. He is currently in Turkey, rumoured to be on trial with Antalyaspor.
36. Andre Rocha (FCD) - The Brazilian was the Hoops' midfield catalyst, scoring a number of phenomenal goals.
35. Steve Ralston (NER) - This guy is MLS through and through, and before a season-ending injury against the Wizards, was a very strong contributor both on and off the field for the Revs. Once he's healthy again, look for him to be a major player in New England in 09.
34. Amado Guevara (TOR) - The 2004 league MVP came to us in April, and despite some fantastic performances in his first few matches, slowed down a bit as the season progressed. Always dangerous around the 18-yard box, it will be interesting to see how we work him with DeRo in 2009.
33. Frankie Hejduk (CLB) - Hejduk is the ultimate fan favourite. A strong player on the field, Hejduk is 100% behind his club, and leads by example. He's a pretty awkward player, but somehow always manages to get the job done.
32. Wilman Conde (CHI) - The Colombian took a few weeks to settle in Chicago after signing to play under Juan Carlos Osorio before Osorio went to New York. As 2008 went on, he emerged as one of the league's best centre halves.
31. Jonathan Bornstein (CHV) - Bornstein featured strongly for the Goats last season after emerging as one of the league's top wing backs just a few years before.
30. Brian McBride (CHI) - If he had been here all season long, he would definitely be higher up on the list. Coming late in the season, we didn't really get a chance to see McBride at his best. Look for him to excel in 2009.
29. Christian Gomez (COL) - This is an odd one. One of the league's best playmakers, making maximum non-DP salary, can't get a game on a mediocre Western Conference side in Colorado. Christian Gomez would be a sure starter on at least 10 of the clubs in MLS.
28. Francisco Mendoza (CHV) - This young Mexican is a fun player to watch. A strong work ethic makes him a pretty strong midfielder, both attacking and defending.
27. Kyle Bekerman (RSL) - Salt Lake's captain is a rock in the midfield for the club. A versatile player, Bekerman can contribute from both the middle and from the wings.
26. Ricardo Clark (HOU) - Clark gets regular call-ups from Bob Bradley for the USMNT. Over the past few seasons, he has allowed DeRo to pull the strings in the Dynamo's attack. One of the league's best holding midfielders.
25. Taylor Twellman (NER) - Injured for most of 2008, Twellman is historically one of the league's most prolific strikers. He hasn't ever managed to succeed on the international scene, but will likely be a star in 2009 if he's healthy.
24. Ronnie O'Brien (SJE) - The Irishman has been heralded as one of the league's best right midfielders for a number of years now, and didn't let up his good play for the Quakes in 2008. His experience both on and off the field for San Jose was invaluable.
23. Dave Van Den Bergh (NYRB) - The Dutchman has played up front, on the wing, and in defense for the Red Bulls. He was a significant contributor to New Yorks run to the MLS Cup Final. I still wish we had taken him in the 2006 Expansion Draft.
22. Robbie Rogers (CLB) - This guy is fun to watch. Rogers emerged in Columbus as one of the league's best wingers in 2008. His pace and footwork reeked havoc upon MLS defenses, and he scored some cracking goals.
21. Jimmy Conrad (KCW) - The Wizards captain came second in Wizards' goalscoring from defense. He's a massive presence in Kansas City's defense, performing consistently game in and game out.
20. Dwayne De Rosario (TOR) - His numbers may have been down in 2008, but there is no question that DeRo is one of the best and most exciting players in league history. Now at home with us, here's hoping he can deliver his best for his hometown crowd.
19. Joe Cannon (SJE) - When building a team, many coaches will try to build from the back. Frank Yallop did just that when he acquired Cannon from Los Angeles before the 2008 season. Cannon was immense in goal for the Earthquakes, and will continue to be a leader in 2009.
18. Pablo Mastroeni (COL) - The American International can play effectively as a holding midfielder and a central defender, and is a leader both on and off the pitch in Colorado. He is the key to the Rapids.
17. Darren Huckerby (SJE) - Joining the league in July, Huckerby was a menace to defenses, scoring 6 goals in his first 9 games. He must continue his good form in 2009 to prove that age and injury troubles won't get the best of him.
16. Sacha Kljesten (CHV) - The young American became an on field leader for Chivas USA in 2008. He's an exciting midfielder, who is starting to be more consistently called into the USMNT.
15. Jaime Moreno (DCU) - When DC United was decimated with injuries, veteran striker Jaime Moreno emerged as the club's true leader, scoring 10 goals and 10 assists. He is the league's all-time leading scorer, making him one of the best players in MLS history.
14. Brian Ching (HOU) - After a slow start to 2008, Brian Ching picked things up and finished well for Houston. He has size, pace, and a good finishing touch, making him one of the league's best forwards. He'll have to learn to work with Stuart Holden after DeRo's departure to Toronto.
13. Carl Robinson (TOR) - Our best player over the last two seasons, Robbo is a consistent rock in our midfield. A true leader both on and off the field, his experience has been invaluable in getting our feet off the ground in MLS.
12. Matt Reis (NER) - For me, he's the league's best keeper. He's a powerful goalkeeper who rarely makes stupid mistakes, breathing confidence throughout his side. The only reason he hasn't been called up to the USMNT more often is because of guys like Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel and Tim Howard.
11. Gonzalo Segares (CHI) - A finalist in defender of the year voting, the Costa Rican emerged as one of the league's top defenders in 2008. He's a tough tackler, and isn't afraid to go into a challenge.
10. Luciano Emilio (DCU) - Like most of his DC United teammates, Emilio was injured for a lot of last season. Despite this, the 2007 league MVP is still one of the league's top strikers. He's dangerous both on and off the ball, able to score from just about anywhere.
9. Kenny Cooper (FCD) - The big man in Dallas emerged as the league's best target forward. He carried the Hoops through the season, scoring many priceless goals for Schellas Hyndeman's side. He's been linked with a move to Cardiff City in the Championship.
8. Chad Marshall (CLB) - The reigning defender of the year has re-signed with the Crew after a trial with Mainz. He's a commanding figure in the back and a hard-nosed tackler. He scored vital goals in the Eastern Conference final and the MLS Cup final.
7. David Beckham (LAG) - His team may suck, but he certainly does not. He scored 5 goals and 10 assists for Los Angeles this season, which is a good return from midfield. There is now doubt in my mind that he is the best right midfielder in MLS.
6. Javier Morales (RSL) - In my mind, Morales was the most underrated player in MLS last season. He was the engine behind every Real Salt Lake attack, contributing both goals and assists. Look for him to contribute even more on the field in 2009.
5. Shalrie Joseph (NER) - For me, he is the best holding midfielder in MLS. He is such a strong and commanding force in the midfield, he would easily slide into the starting eleven of any team in the league.
4. Cuauhtémoc Blanco (CHI) - The Mexican may be old, but he's still playing pretty well. The league's second ever designated player, he transformed the Fire with his arrival in 2007, helping them reach two consecutive Eastern Conference finals.
3. Landon Donovan (LAG) - Okay, I hate Landycakes as much as you do, but after scoring 20 goals and 9 assists on the league's worst team, I don't think there is any question that this guy is one of the best in the league. The American goldenboy will be considered one of the top players in MLS history.
2. Juan Pablo Angel (NYRB) - The Colombian had an injury-plagued 2008 season, but is quite possibly the best pure striker in MLS history. In my mind, the best value for money with regards to designated players.
1. Guillermo Barros Schelotto (CLB) - Let's forget about the playacting. When he's playing the game, there are very few in the league who can rival his set pieces and playmaking abilities. He deservedly won the 2008 MVP award, leading the Crew to the MLS Cup.
Okay. Now I need your feedback. Am I way off? Did I leave anyone out? What's your top 50? Let me know what you think.
I'm going to try to put away any bias I have - both towards our own players, and against certain players, like Landon Donovan, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto.
Ahead of the 2009 season, players are both coming and going from the league, so I in order to make this list, the player has to have played in MLS. Freddie Ljungberg, for example, on Seattle Sounders FC, will likely be one of the league's top 10 players when he's healthy. Though he is currently an MLS player, he, or other players in the same situation, will not be considered.
So, enough talk, let's get to it.
50. Conor Casey (COL) - The former US international had a breakout year in MLS after a slow 2007 season. To move up on the list, he'll have to keep up his good form in 2009.
49. Marvell Wynne (TOR) - Not the best player positionally, but one of the league's top raw athletes. If he can continue to stay solid defensively and contribute offensively, he will further emerge as one of the league's best wing backs.
48. Gino Padula (CLB) - The Argentine joined Columbus after a long career in England. A mid-season injury kept him out for a number of matches, but he was immense when he was on the pitch for the Crew.
47. Jay Heaps (NER) - One of the league's veteran defenders, Heaps will be expected to lead the Revolution's backline in 2009 with the departure of Michael Parkhurst to Denmark. Weird Fact: I have his rookie card, and don't ask me how I got it.
46. Corey Gibbs (COL) - The American international was a late addition by the Rapids and helped bolster a leaky defense at the end of the 2008 season. Look for him to be a major contributor to the team in 2009.
45. Dane Richards (NYRB) - The Jamaican had a strong finish to the 2008 season, with a brilliant man of the match performance at Houston in the playoffs. He is easily one of the league's fastest players.
44. Will Johnson (RSL) - The young Canadian scored the goal of the year and could emerge as one of the league's most exciting midfielders in 2009. I'm about as bitter as anyone that we didn't sign this guy.
43. Rohan Ricketts (TOR) - He has the skill to be one of the league's top wingers, but lacked the consistency in his debut season in MLS. He was, however, Mr. Versatility for us, playing in several different positions on several occasions thanks to international call-ups.
42. Bakary Soumare (CHI) - Along with Gonzalo Segares and Wilman Conde, Bakary Samare performed in one of the league's strongest defense lines. The Malian was considering playing for the USMNT at one point.
41. Kevin Hartman (KCW) - His haircut may suck, but he's still a pretty good keeper. Age hasn't gotten the best of him, as he was one of the Wizards' consistently solid players.
40. Marcelo Gallardo (DCU) - The jury's still out on DC's designated player as he was injured for over half of the season. If you look at his stats, though, he was on pace for 8 goals and 6 assists, which isn't that bad of a return from a midfielder.
39. Chad Barrett (TOR) - On top of being capped by the US, Barrett was consistently on the scoresheet for both us and the Chicago Fire. If he can keep this up, he may emerge as one of the most dangerous strikers in MLS.
38. Chris Rolfe (CHI) - Rolfe finished off strongly, scoring a hat-trick on Prime Time against the Red Bulls in October. He is an effective player both up front and on the wing.
37. Bobby Boswell (HOU) - The star blogger flourished in Houston after a move from DC United. He is currently in Turkey, rumoured to be on trial with Antalyaspor.
36. Andre Rocha (FCD) - The Brazilian was the Hoops' midfield catalyst, scoring a number of phenomenal goals.
35. Steve Ralston (NER) - This guy is MLS through and through, and before a season-ending injury against the Wizards, was a very strong contributor both on and off the field for the Revs. Once he's healthy again, look for him to be a major player in New England in 09.
34. Amado Guevara (TOR) - The 2004 league MVP came to us in April, and despite some fantastic performances in his first few matches, slowed down a bit as the season progressed. Always dangerous around the 18-yard box, it will be interesting to see how we work him with DeRo in 2009.
33. Frankie Hejduk (CLB) - Hejduk is the ultimate fan favourite. A strong player on the field, Hejduk is 100% behind his club, and leads by example. He's a pretty awkward player, but somehow always manages to get the job done.
32. Wilman Conde (CHI) - The Colombian took a few weeks to settle in Chicago after signing to play under Juan Carlos Osorio before Osorio went to New York. As 2008 went on, he emerged as one of the league's best centre halves.
31. Jonathan Bornstein (CHV) - Bornstein featured strongly for the Goats last season after emerging as one of the league's top wing backs just a few years before.
30. Brian McBride (CHI) - If he had been here all season long, he would definitely be higher up on the list. Coming late in the season, we didn't really get a chance to see McBride at his best. Look for him to excel in 2009.
29. Christian Gomez (COL) - This is an odd one. One of the league's best playmakers, making maximum non-DP salary, can't get a game on a mediocre Western Conference side in Colorado. Christian Gomez would be a sure starter on at least 10 of the clubs in MLS.
28. Francisco Mendoza (CHV) - This young Mexican is a fun player to watch. A strong work ethic makes him a pretty strong midfielder, both attacking and defending.
27. Kyle Bekerman (RSL) - Salt Lake's captain is a rock in the midfield for the club. A versatile player, Bekerman can contribute from both the middle and from the wings.
26. Ricardo Clark (HOU) - Clark gets regular call-ups from Bob Bradley for the USMNT. Over the past few seasons, he has allowed DeRo to pull the strings in the Dynamo's attack. One of the league's best holding midfielders.
25. Taylor Twellman (NER) - Injured for most of 2008, Twellman is historically one of the league's most prolific strikers. He hasn't ever managed to succeed on the international scene, but will likely be a star in 2009 if he's healthy.
24. Ronnie O'Brien (SJE) - The Irishman has been heralded as one of the league's best right midfielders for a number of years now, and didn't let up his good play for the Quakes in 2008. His experience both on and off the field for San Jose was invaluable.
23. Dave Van Den Bergh (NYRB) - The Dutchman has played up front, on the wing, and in defense for the Red Bulls. He was a significant contributor to New Yorks run to the MLS Cup Final. I still wish we had taken him in the 2006 Expansion Draft.
22. Robbie Rogers (CLB) - This guy is fun to watch. Rogers emerged in Columbus as one of the league's best wingers in 2008. His pace and footwork reeked havoc upon MLS defenses, and he scored some cracking goals.
21. Jimmy Conrad (KCW) - The Wizards captain came second in Wizards' goalscoring from defense. He's a massive presence in Kansas City's defense, performing consistently game in and game out.
20. Dwayne De Rosario (TOR) - His numbers may have been down in 2008, but there is no question that DeRo is one of the best and most exciting players in league history. Now at home with us, here's hoping he can deliver his best for his hometown crowd.
19. Joe Cannon (SJE) - When building a team, many coaches will try to build from the back. Frank Yallop did just that when he acquired Cannon from Los Angeles before the 2008 season. Cannon was immense in goal for the Earthquakes, and will continue to be a leader in 2009.
18. Pablo Mastroeni (COL) - The American International can play effectively as a holding midfielder and a central defender, and is a leader both on and off the pitch in Colorado. He is the key to the Rapids.
17. Darren Huckerby (SJE) - Joining the league in July, Huckerby was a menace to defenses, scoring 6 goals in his first 9 games. He must continue his good form in 2009 to prove that age and injury troubles won't get the best of him.
16. Sacha Kljesten (CHV) - The young American became an on field leader for Chivas USA in 2008. He's an exciting midfielder, who is starting to be more consistently called into the USMNT.
15. Jaime Moreno (DCU) - When DC United was decimated with injuries, veteran striker Jaime Moreno emerged as the club's true leader, scoring 10 goals and 10 assists. He is the league's all-time leading scorer, making him one of the best players in MLS history.
14. Brian Ching (HOU) - After a slow start to 2008, Brian Ching picked things up and finished well for Houston. He has size, pace, and a good finishing touch, making him one of the league's best forwards. He'll have to learn to work with Stuart Holden after DeRo's departure to Toronto.
13. Carl Robinson (TOR) - Our best player over the last two seasons, Robbo is a consistent rock in our midfield. A true leader both on and off the field, his experience has been invaluable in getting our feet off the ground in MLS.
12. Matt Reis (NER) - For me, he's the league's best keeper. He's a powerful goalkeeper who rarely makes stupid mistakes, breathing confidence throughout his side. The only reason he hasn't been called up to the USMNT more often is because of guys like Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel and Tim Howard.
11. Gonzalo Segares (CHI) - A finalist in defender of the year voting, the Costa Rican emerged as one of the league's top defenders in 2008. He's a tough tackler, and isn't afraid to go into a challenge.
10. Luciano Emilio (DCU) - Like most of his DC United teammates, Emilio was injured for a lot of last season. Despite this, the 2007 league MVP is still one of the league's top strikers. He's dangerous both on and off the ball, able to score from just about anywhere.
9. Kenny Cooper (FCD) - The big man in Dallas emerged as the league's best target forward. He carried the Hoops through the season, scoring many priceless goals for Schellas Hyndeman's side. He's been linked with a move to Cardiff City in the Championship.
8. Chad Marshall (CLB) - The reigning defender of the year has re-signed with the Crew after a trial with Mainz. He's a commanding figure in the back and a hard-nosed tackler. He scored vital goals in the Eastern Conference final and the MLS Cup final.
7. David Beckham (LAG) - His team may suck, but he certainly does not. He scored 5 goals and 10 assists for Los Angeles this season, which is a good return from midfield. There is now doubt in my mind that he is the best right midfielder in MLS.
6. Javier Morales (RSL) - In my mind, Morales was the most underrated player in MLS last season. He was the engine behind every Real Salt Lake attack, contributing both goals and assists. Look for him to contribute even more on the field in 2009.
5. Shalrie Joseph (NER) - For me, he is the best holding midfielder in MLS. He is such a strong and commanding force in the midfield, he would easily slide into the starting eleven of any team in the league.
4. Cuauhtémoc Blanco (CHI) - The Mexican may be old, but he's still playing pretty well. The league's second ever designated player, he transformed the Fire with his arrival in 2007, helping them reach two consecutive Eastern Conference finals.
3. Landon Donovan (LAG) - Okay, I hate Landycakes as much as you do, but after scoring 20 goals and 9 assists on the league's worst team, I don't think there is any question that this guy is one of the best in the league. The American goldenboy will be considered one of the top players in MLS history.
2. Juan Pablo Angel (NYRB) - The Colombian had an injury-plagued 2008 season, but is quite possibly the best pure striker in MLS history. In my mind, the best value for money with regards to designated players.
1. Guillermo Barros Schelotto (CLB) - Let's forget about the playacting. When he's playing the game, there are very few in the league who can rival his set pieces and playmaking abilities. He deservedly won the 2008 MVP award, leading the Crew to the MLS Cup.
Okay. Now I need your feedback. Am I way off? Did I leave anyone out? What's your top 50? Let me know what you think.
Posts
6 comments:
Great List. I tend to agree with most of your picks.
Another great thing about this list is it gives me some players to watch for next year, especially in the western conference as sometimes the teams can be a little faceless to me.
Awesome work.
Great list Ben, although I don't agree with Segares and Morales being so high up, I couldn't have picked a more accurate list my-self. And yes, it is painful to admit that a Crew player was the best player in the league last year.
Great work, keep it up...
It is very painful to admit that a Crew player is the best, especially when it's GBS. Nonetheless, why lie?
Very nice work, i found it hard to find anything i disagreed with. You even found a way to get guys like Padula on the list who are pretty underrated.
I thought Morales was about on the right spot. He stepped it up huge in the latter part of the season and ran RSL's midfield.
Thanks a lot guys.
I thought that Morales was superb as the season wore on for Real Salt Lake.
A couple of notable omissions I've thought of include Chris Albright (NER), Fred (DCU), Eddie Gaven (CLB), and Brad Evans (SEA).
I think this list is a good start though!
Fred is a tough one, but i can't really disagree with leaving him off the list (this year).
His first year form could put him all the way into the top 20. but this year he simply didn't produce that much and was often injured.
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