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MLS: Top 5 French players in league history

By Matt Coles

TEXAS CITY, TX - MARCH 07: Head coach Thierry Henry of Montreal Impact looks on during an MLS match between FC Dallas and Montreal Impact at Toyota Stadium on March 7, 2020 in Texas City, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
TEXAS CITY, TX - MARCH 07: Head coach Thierry Henry of Montreal Impact looks on during an MLS match between FC Dallas and Montreal Impact at Toyota Stadium on March 7, 2020 in Texas City, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – JULY 18: Frederic Brillant #13 of the D.C. United walks off the field after a game against the FC Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium on July 18, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – JULY 18: Frederic Brillant #13 of the D.C. United walks off the field after a game against the FC Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium on July 18, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

4. Frederic Brillant

After spending the first decade of his professional career in the top division of Belgian football, Frederic Brilliant made the move to MLS ahead of the 2016 season. He has since become one of the league’s best defenders.

Brillant signed for New York City FC in 2016. He spent two seasons with the Sky Blues, helping them into the playoffs in both years. Along with his performances at the back, he also scored twice and tallied an assist in 54 regular-season appearances for the club, whilst also playing all 360 minutes of postseason football across the two campaigns.

Following the end of the 2017 season, NYCFC let the Frenchman go and he immediately signed for D.C. United, where he became a key part of their defence, including going on to feature in all 34 regular-season games in 2019, a year in which D.C. conceded only 38 goals.

Including his two appearances in 2020 before the suspension of the season, Brillant has played 63 times for D.C, scoring three times and adding three assists, along with a series of commanding performances at the back. His consistency was rewarded during the 2019 season as he made it into the MLS Team of the Week for three straight weeks.

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