2016 MLS All-Star Game: MLS All-Star Fan XI Overview
By Rohit Menon
Andrea Pirlo
Position: Midfielder
Club: New York City FC (Designated Player)
Previous All-Star game appearances: none
New York City FC’s Andrea Pirlo has been a rich servant of the game for over two decades, so it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that his name has been included in the MLS All-Star XI. The 37-year-old had a wonderful trophy-laden career with AC Milan and Juventus before moving to the MLS in 2015 and has also represented Italy in three World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014), winning in 2006.
Incredibly effective in his set-piece routines and general distribution during play, the defensive playmaker could easily enter any playing XI and lift the spirits of his colleagues. Despite joining NYCFC midway through the season and featuring in only 13 games, the Italian still managed to finish third in the MLS minutes per pass table along with 5 assists to his name.
Pirlo was ever-present during Kaka’s spell at AC Milan, where they played many games together. So it should be interesting to see how they pair up in this one-off clash, and whether they still have the chemistry of the past.
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