Peru Player Population in MLS Set to Double Soon

The population of Peru players in MLS looks to double next season. An MLS contributor snagged a tweet that started the narrative.

MLS has played lots of Peru players. But the population dwindled to three by last season. Yet, that number should double next season.

The Peruvians now in MLS bring their A-game.

Midfielder Yoshimar Yotún serves as Orlando City’s captain. Look at the others for dependable starters. New York City FC’s D Alexander Callens and Vancouver Whitecaps’ M Yordy Reyna prove steady and productive.

MLSSoccer.com contributor Steve Brisendine picked up a tweet from Victor Zaferson M noting three players on Peru’s national team roster after MLS jobs. That tweet, in turn, credited the soccer broadcaster Gol Peru.

The three named: D Miguel Araujo and midfielders Alejandro Hohberg and Wilder Cartagena.

"Brisendine: Araujo is a 22-year-old defender with Alianza Lima in Peru’s top flight, and has also played in Europe with Serb power Red Star Belgrade. He has five caps with the Peruvian national team.Hohberg, a 26-year-old midfielder, also plays for Alianza and appeared in two games for Peru in last year’s Copa America Centenario.Cartagena, a 23-year-old defensive midfielder, is currently on loan with Universidad de San Martin and has made two appearances for Peru."

Why Peru Players to MLS?

Brian Sanders of Worldsoccertalk.com discovered the economy drives Peru’s greatest talents to MLS.

"Sanders: In South America, many clubs have a large dependency on the Copa Libertadores tournament, which is a cash cow for South American teams. But in recent years, the bigger clubs in Peru (Sporting Cristal, Universitario, and Alianza Lima) have failed to do anything notable.It’s no surprise then that many South Americans have been moving to the United States to play in MLS. Many Colombians see the U.S. as a good payday in an ideal location that is a gateway to Europe. Brazilian clubs, with their newfound money, have been loaning out their players as there is no room to develop in those squads."

Players Sanders interviewed reported great facilities and good money in MLS. Plus the league does nothing but grow.

Next: Montreal Impact on The Rise

MLS conditions keep getting better. Peru keeps producing high-performance players. We could use a lot more than six.

Hear that scouts? Go find them!