MLS: 17 Major League Soccer players to expect at the 2018 World Cup

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 06: Orlando City defender Yoshimar Yotun (19) celebrates after scoring a goal during the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and Real Salt Lake on May 6, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Carlos Vela of LAFC celebrates after scoring against LA Galaxy during their Major League Soccer (MLS) game at the StarHub Center in Los Angeles, California, on March 31, 2018.LA Galaxy went on to win 4-3 with two goals from Ibrahimovic./ AFP PHOTO / Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images) /

13. Carlos Vela (F) LAFC Mexico

Carlos Vela has been seasoned in Europe and at 29 looks to lead Mexico to glory as a seasoned vet in his prime. Vela has not always been the most amenable player in the El Tri set up. After signing with Arsenal and bouncing around various La Liga clubs, Vela was hurt in the first game of the 2010 World Cup.

Frustrated with his club situation and injury, Vela also grew discontent with the Mexican Federation. He famously refused call ups to the 2012 Olympics and World Cup qualifiers. As El Tri went through coaches Vela still refused to play for his country.

Having missed the 2014 World Cup due to personal reasons, Vela returned to play for Mexico in the 2015 Gold Cup. In 2017 Vela featured for Mexico in 13 games, scoring 3 goals. For LAFC, Vela has started all 10 games, scoring 6 goals with 5 assists.

Mexico can defend in numbers and counter attack with the best teams. The middle ground is where Mexico will need be most venerable against Germany, Sweden, and South Korea. If Vela is clinical in front of net and leading counter attacks like he has in MLS, Mexico should have a couple goals of cushion in the group of death.

Let’s keep the LAFC train rolling at No. 12.

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