Los Angeles Galaxy forward, Giovani dos Santos, has been selected to start and captain the Mexican National Team and it is a big deal for Major League Soccer.
Giovani dos Santos has besen away from the Mexico National Team for well over a year but he is now set to return. He has been called up for international friendlies against New Zealand and Panama. Upon his return, the LA Galaxy forward was named to the Starting XI and captain.
If Gio is able to have success at the international level, it would be a big deal for Major league Soccer as a whole. GdS was one of the best up and coming young footballers in Mexico early in his career but he has somewhat stumbled as of late. Now with the Galaxy, he is playing at the top of his game and is getting another shot at the national team picture.
The United States’ top flight league doesn’t have the best reputation for talented players contributing on the international stage. Most of the best players in MLS are either too old for their national teams or have not been called up due to the fact that they play in Major League Soccer. Whatever the reason may be, the league doesn’t have players who are stars for successful international teams.
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After missing out on the Copa America Centenario earlier this summer because he wanted to focus on club play with the Galaxy, dos Santos was left off of Mexico’s roster. Now it is his chance to prove that he can still play with some of the best players in the world on the international level. Mexico is a successful national team that regularly features in the World Cup.
These next two friendlies could be huge for Gio’s future with the national team going forward. If he plays well, he could reclaim a prominent starting role with Mexico. If he sputters and falters, it could spell the end of his international career for the time being.
Typically, most coaches in Europe or for national teams don’t select MLS players because they have a perception that the play of the league isn’t competitive enough or doesn’t rival that of European leagues. Whether it be fair or a misconception, that is how it is.
If Gio plays well and succeeds with Mexico, it could open the door for a number of other big name players in MLS. There are plenty of talents guys in the league but many international coaches won’t give them a chance. If Major League Soccer wants to reach the level of other league around the world, having a player perform on the international stage is a huge step in the right direction.
Even Sebastian Giovinco, arguably the best player in Major League Soccer, can’t breakthrough into Italy’s national team picture. Nicolas Lodeiro of Uruguay may be the only other high-profile player to play for a top-15 FIFA ranked international side. It won’t matter how good a player is on the domestic level for MLS until a star takes center stage on the international level as well.
Major League Soccer needs it’s superstars to be successful on the international level. It is one way that they can gain respect from rival leagues and attention as well. Giovani dos Santos starting and captaining is a huge step in the right direction for the league. He may have a lot riding on him when he plays for Mexico but the league is banking on him to perform at a high level.