2) Steve Zakuani – First overall pick in 2009
It really is a case of what might have been when talking about Steve Zakuani — in an alternate universe he is number one on this list. That’s how good the winger was and how much potential he had.
Zakuani quickly became a fan favorite during his first year, which also doubled as the Seattle Sounders’ opening season in MLS. You can even make a compelling case that he should have been named MLS Rookie of the Year in 2009.
Regardless, the now 31-year-old was even better in 2010 when he tied for the team lead with 10 MLS goals and added a career-best six assists. He seemed destined for greatness when he started the following year on fire with two goals and two assists in six games, before suffering the serious injury which finished his season and nearly ended his career.
Zakuani was able to recover but was never the same again, and he retired after a final season with the Portland Timbers in 2014. The was speculation of a comeback in 2017 when it was reported he was training with the Sounders, before he confirmed he would not be fit enough to return.