Two MLS players in Italy squad shows that MLS is making progress

Jul 18, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) imitates a golf swing after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Philadelphia 2-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

With more Euro 216 qualification games on the horizon, the squads have been announced in preparation for the next round of games. While it may not seem significant, the fact that two North American based players have been called up to the Azzurri is actually a pretty big deal.

Big name players have been coming to North America to play in Major League Soccer ever since its inception but in Europe, the image of MLS has long been that of a glorified retirement home. Therefore many players who went there were effectively closing the door on any international future.

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Sure, some players were not affected. Joel Lindpere juggled representing the New York Red Bulls and Estonia. David Beckham continued to make some appearances for England while also playing his club football in California for LA Galaxy.

But these preconceived ideas are unfair and wrong anyway. It shouldn’t matter where you play your football. Premier League or Championship. Serie A or Serie B. Major League Soccer or Liga MX. It doesn’t matter. What really matters though, is if you are good enough.

Jermaine Defoe is a good example. Having been in the England setup for so long, the striker was omitted from the England team soon after joining Toronto FC. Coincidence? I think not. He didn’t have the best of seasons in Canada but to be completely dropped by England after so long was odd.

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Bradley Wright-Phillips was the highest scoring English player in the world, but just because he played in Major League Soccer meant he was not even in the back of England boss Roy Hodgson’s thoughts. He fully deserved a call-up even if it was just against minnows San Marino. He had earned his shot.

But now, Giovinco and Pirlo are in the Italy team (who lets face it, are better than England) despite the fact they play their football outside Europe, more specifically Major League Soccer. The former has been far more spectacular than the latter, but Italy are fortunate to have such quality players to choose from.

For the first time in history.. not one, but two #MLS players have been called into the Italian NT. #Azzurri
— Marco D'Onofrio (@Kubani7) August 29, 2015

It isn’t just Europe. Kaka is back for Brazil after a lengthy absence, his starring role for Orlando City is a big help in winning back his place for the Selacao. The Brazil legend has managed to get noticed again even if his club are struggling for results.

The point is, at the end of the day, that Major League Soccer has hugely improved its image which has not only encouraged the worlds best players to move there – it is also slowly showing that these players are not out of the international picture just yet and nor should they be.

why should MLS-based players be held back because of the geography?

The argument is that travel can be the problem. Jetting in from the US and Canada is a lot more of a hindrance to fitness and match preparation. But this is not much different from European players doing this when they play in European competitions such as the Champions League and Europa League.

England starlet Harry Kane will be travelling to far-flung Azerbaijan with Spurs this season but that will not impact his England ambitions. So why should MLS-based players be held back because of the geography?

Although one must remember the league runs out of sync with much of the European season and MLS also does not stop for these FIFA sanctioned international breaks. This means players from MLS would be at different fitness levels to those in Europe, and some MLS clubs wouldn’t be happy letting them go because they are left weakened as a result.

Perhaps it simply depends on the player. Robbie Keane has been in LA for a number of years now but has still been involved for Republic of Ireland as much as possible. His role in the international setup is changing, but that is due to age and the desire to change tactics that suit others rather than Keane.

Still, MLS now has an increasing number of international players, and they can attract more with this news out of Italy which shows that those with international ambitions can still fulfil them even if they do choose to play outside of the ‘comfort zone’ that is Europe.