USMNT: 3 MLS-based players who need a European move

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ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 15: Jordan Morris #11 of the United States turns and moves with the ball during a game between Canada and USMNT at Exploria Stadium on November 15, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Roy Miller/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

MLS is a positive environment for the development of young American prospects. But here are three MLS-based USMNT players who should seek a move to Europe.

Major League Soccer has been the ideal landscape for the development of some of the best American players around the world. But while the league is perfect for young players breaking into senior teams, gaining first-team experience as they do, there is a limit to its value. When it comes to forming elite players on the international stage, MLS can only go so far. This is where a European move comes in. And there are several U.S. Men’s National Team players and prospects who should consider the switch across the pond.

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Here are three USMNT players who could benefit greatly from a European move.

ORLANDO, FL – AUGUST 23: Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) during the MLS soccer match between the Orlando City SC and Atlanta United on August 23, 2019 at Explorer Stadium in Orlando, FL. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Miles Robinson

Rewind a little over a year ago and there were growing questions surrounding Miles Robinson. The second overall pick in the 2017 SuperDraft was seemingly set to go the way of many other college graduates: to the lower reaches of American soccer. But in 2018, Robinson broke into the Atlanta United starting XI in a huge way.

He turned 22 at the start of the season. By the end of it, he was the key anchor in the Five Stripes defence. It was quite the individual campaign for Robinson, whose absence from the playoffs through injury was a major reason in Atlanta’s ultimate failure after a dominant season — at one point, Robinson and co. went five games without conceding a goal, while no goalkeeper had more clean sheets than Brad Guzan.

Robinson has struggled with injuries throughout the offseason and is yet to make an appearance in 2020. Nevertheless, now at 23, after one more season in MLS, he will be ready to make the step up in level and test himself in Europe. Robinson has the potential to be the USMNT’s best centre-back. Now he needs the transfer to prove it.

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