MLS is stocked full of brilliantly talented players. But if you could pick just one to play for your team, which would it be? We went and asked the fans to find out.
The transfer window is shut and the Playoffs are looming but sure as the sun goes down, another window will soon be upon us. For some sides in Major League Soccer, transfers are all about consolidating on what they already have, while for others, it’s about filling that final DP spot to take a shot at Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup glory.
But what if the shackles were off and you could take any ONE player from another MLS club and put him right in your team? Who would that be?
We’ve asked a fan from each side in both conferences, as well as an ex-pro, to see just who is the most in-demand player in MLS right now.
Western Conference
Colorado Rapids – Michael Lengel (@lengezz)
Nico Lodeiro would be what this team has been missing for years. We’ve been desperate for a playmaker with class since trying Martin Rivero. Even with our formation in flux with a new manager, we need a creator. Someone with vision who can combine to make and score goals, thread passes in behind. Lodeiro is the profile of player who could add dimension and variety to our attack.
Imagine this Rapids team with a guy like Lodeiro feeding Kei Kamara, threading passes for Lewis to run onto. Helping keep possession higher up the field.
FC Dallas – Dan Shoesmith (@Dan_shoey)
FC Dallas is one of only three original MLS teams to never win MLS cup. Fans have many theories as to why this is but possibly the most common one is the lack of an elite, goal-scoring number nine. Although he currently resides on the other side of the Texas Derby, Mauro Manotas would be great for FCD. He’s scored 10-plus goals in his last two MLS seasons and has already surpassed that mark again this campaign. Manotas also fits the Hunt transfer mould, originally acquired from South America for cheap and will eventually be sold to Europe for a multi-million dollar fee.
Houston Dynamo – Javier Castro (@javierr_castro)
If I had to pick one MLS player to join my team, it would be Nicolas Lodeiro. Since the Wilmer Cabrera era, the Dynamo have had many explosive attackers that kill opponents on the counter. However, the Dynamo have always lacked a creative number 10 that can control the midfield and create opportunities for our attackers. Lodeiro would not only bring a much-needed impact on the pitch, but he would provide an urgent leadership presence for our attack, something it has lacked since the departure of Vicente Sanchez.
LA Galaxy – Ronny Contreras (@RONNYdOiCH)
The one thing the LA Galaxy have lacked these last few years has been a solid defence. Although there has been a sign of improvement this year, I believe our left-back position needs to be filled. Since losing Ashley Cole, that side has been bad for us. A player like Ali Adnan would be a perfect addition. Paired with Diego Polenta and either Daniel Steres or Giancarlo Gonzalez, I feel that backline would improve greatly.
LAFC – Daniel Garza (@dgarza42)
LAFC and Zlatan Ibrahimovic? As crazy as it may sound to think LAFC could get better offensively, this would be a current MLS player that would complete LAFC. For one, LAFC have yet to find a consistent option as a natural striker and Zlatan would fill that role.
The ways Valeri can create in the attack would elevate players like Bofo Saucedo, Corey Baird and Jefferson Savarino to be superstars in MLS. Valeri is by far the best creator in MLS and it will be a sad day when he leaves the league.
Minnesota United – Nick G (@Gundeeeee)
Brad Smith from the Seattle Sounders (I know, I know… his loan is close to expiring). Smith at LB and Romain Métanire at RB for MNUFC would be a nightmare for opposing teams to defend against. His pace and ability to serve quality balls into the box along the left side would provide another weapon, as well as added depth at LB which MNUFC need. Added bonus, we got Ozzie Alonso from Seattle, time for the “Aussie” from Seattle.