Nicolas Lodeiro’s Move to MLS Shows Growth in the League
Uruguayan international midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro’s recent move to the Seattle Sounders shows growth in MLS as the league continues to improve.
The Seattle Sounders made one of the biggest name signings this summer when they acquired Nicolas Lodeiro from Boca Juniors. With the move, the Uruguayan midfielder instantly became one of the biggest names and best players in MLS today. Still in the prime of his career, Lodeiro has the chance to be one of the most prominent players to ever make the move to the United States top flight league.
The 27-year old midfielder makes the move to Seattle after playing for one of the best and most historic clubs in Argentina in Boca Juniors. Nicolas made his professional debut for Nacional who are one of the top teams in Uruguay. He has also previously played in the Netherlands with Ajax, and Brazil with Botafogo and Corinthians.
Lodeiro is also a regular on the Uruguayan National team in the past few years. Since 2013, he has made over 30 appearances for Uruguay and has scored three total international goals in his career. During the 2016 Copa America Centenario, Lodeiro appeared in all three group stage matches for his home country while starting two of the three games. He has also appeared in two World Cups.
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Nicolas’ career speaks for itself and his skill has been shown over the past few years both domestically and internationally. He has played for some of the top teams in South America and one of the best teams in the Netherlands. At arguably the height of his career, Lodeiro chose to make the move to Major League Soccer.
It hasn’t been common for a player in the prime of their careers to move to MLS. We have seen big name legends who are near the end of their careers or young guys with a lot to prove move stateside. While we have seen some great players come to Major League Soccer, Lodeiro’s move may only be rivaled by that of Sebastian Giovinco.
The old narrative, that MLS is where old legends go to retire, may no longer be true for the growing soccer league. Major League Soccer has continued to add top-tier talents and major big name players each and every transfer period. It has become a completive league where all types of players can showcase their individual skills. They may not be able to rival the Barclay’s Premier League but the development is clear.
Nicolas has already shown his world-class talent since joining Seattle. He has helped the Sounders to a 2-1 record in his first three games after the team has struggled for the first half of the season. Lodeiro has recorded one goal and three assists while playing the full 90 minutes in all of his three matches. As he looks to take MLS by storm, his impact has already been felt around the league.
The Uruguayan international could be one of the best players in Major League Soccer for years to come. His signing with the Seattle Sounders may be the first of many for big name players who are in the prime of their careers that decide to move stateside. The league in general has grown so much and it will continue to improve as a whole going forward.