MLS: 17 Major League Soccer players to expect at the 2018 World Cup
12. Omar Gaber (D/M), LAFC, Egypt
On loan from FC Basel in Switzerland, the 25-year-old Gaber has been instrumental in the LAFC opening run. His fresh legs and smart possession play has been calming when the LAFC attackers want to go at a frantic pace. Being familiar with Bob Bradley from their share Egypt NT experiences surely has helped. His faith in Bradley helped to bring him to MLS.
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“Mr. Bob, he’s the one [who] chose me to represent the national team at the beginning,” Gaber said after signing. “I was 19 years old, and he chose me. … He helped [me find] a place to play in Europe. He’s a great coach and a great person as well, and I’m happy and excited to work with him again.”
Gaber is just on the preliminary roster for now, but barring an injury set back he should be a near lock. Gaber has previously won the Swiss League, Swiss Cup, and the Egyptian League titles. A player of his pedigree and age coming to MLS was a coup for LAFC.
“Omar is an incredibly talented player whose pace, athleticism, and ability fit perfectly with the exciting team we are building here at LAFC,” said LAFC executive John Thorrington. “He is in the prime of his career and already has international and Champions League experience. We are confident he will make our fans proud.”
Gaber played in 5 games for Egypt through qualifying and was also in the Egypt team that took second at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Moving on from LAFC, let’s go north of the border.