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Smart Spending: The 10 greatest Designated Players in MLS History

By Mark Shannon

March 6, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) celebrates his goal scored on penalty kick against D.C. United during the second half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 6, 2016; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) celebrates his goal scored on penalty kick against D.C. United during the second half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan (10) celebrates as time expires in the 2014 MLS Cup final against the New England Revolution at Stubhub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan (10) celebrates as time expires in the 2014 MLS Cup final against the New England Revolution at Stubhub Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

 3. Landon Donovan

While Lando isn’t your typical designated player he sure played like one.  Because he wasn’t signed from oversees Donovan wasn’t classified as a DP until 2010.  Consequently after 2010 Donovan scored 56 times and notched 67 assists in 188 games including playoffs.

During that five-year span Donovan and the Galaxy had success winning the MLS Cup three times and two supporters shields.  While it took him some time to get DP status Donovan didn’t disappoint. He holds the MLS record for goals and assists, and the league’s MVP award has since been renamed after him.

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