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Five MLS Players who can make the biggest impact at UEFA Nations League

By Elliot Reeder

A view shows the logo of the UEFA Nations League football competition at the San Siro (Giuseppe-Meazza) stadium on October 5, 2021 in Milan, on the eve of the semifinal football match between Italy and Spain. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
A view shows the logo of the UEFA Nations League football competition at the San Siro (Giuseppe-Meazza) stadium on October 5, 2021 in Milan, on the eve of the semifinal football match between Italy and Spain. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 7: Karol Swiderski #11 of Charlotte FC advances the ball during a game between Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on May 7, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 7: Karol Swiderski #11 of Charlotte FC advances the ball during a game between Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on May 7, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

4. Forward Karol Swiderski (Poland/Charlotte FC)

Swiderski is also a recent MLS signee. The 25 year old striker was an initial Designated Player signing for expansion side Charlotte FC prior to this season. He has also recently earned opportunities with the Polish National team, receiving his first senior team call-up in 2022 World Cup Qualifying for Poland. He’d appeared in 14 matches for Poland before this break, scoring six goals. While we know who the main man is up top (Robert Lewandowski), Poland will need the likes of Swiderski to step up in order to take the next step.

Before joining Charlotte, Swiderski played for PAOK in Greece where he played in 92 matches, scoring 30 goals, between 2019 and 2022. Świderski was transferred to Charlotte for roughly $5 million dollars before their inaugural season this year. Since joining the squad, he has appeared in nine matches, scoring four goals.

Poland will have their work cut out for them in the Nations League. They reside in Group A4 alongside powers Belgium (#2 in FIFA Men’s Rankings) and Netherlands (#10 in Men’s Rankings). They are also matched with the always difficult to play against Wales squad (#18 in Men’s Rankings). Poland is currently ranked #26 in the rankings.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 01: Nicolás Tagliafico of Argentina (L) fights for the ball with Lorenzo Insigne of Italy (R) during the Finalissima Final match between Italy and Argentina at Wembley Stadium on June 1, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 01: Nicolás Tagliafico of Argentina (L) fights for the ball with Lorenzo Insigne of Italy (R) during the Finalissima Final match between Italy and Argentina at Wembley Stadium on June 1, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) /

3. Winger Lorenzo Insigne (Italy/Toronto FC)

One of the biggest names in MLS and one of the biggest MLS signings ever, now we move to Italian superstar Lorenzo Insigne. While this inclusion might be viewed as cheating by some (since he hasn’t technically played in MLS yet and won’t join MLS-side Toronto until after this International window), we can’t leave MLS’ new highest paid player off the list. And if you want technicalities, Insigne (30 years old) reportedly signed a pre-contract with Toronto in January, so I’ll say he’s already signed with MLS and therefore counts.

Insigne has played over 50 matches in his international career for Italy, registering ten goals. He’s one of the biggest names ever to make the jump to MLS, and his performance in this Nations League will provide an appetizer to Toronto and MLS fans as to what he will provide the league.  Insigne is moving to Toronto after a long and illustrious career with Napoli where he has played since 2010 and has amassed over 300 appearances and scored around 100 goals.

Italy had a very successful trip to the previous Nations League as they finished in 3rd place overall, picking up the competition’s bronze medal. Italy is currently ranked #6 in the FIFA Men’s Rankings, but they are in a tricky group (group Group A3), alongside England (ranked 5th), Germany (ranked 12th), and Hungary (ranked 40th). The group features three historic European soccer powers, even if the likes of Italy and Germany have fallen off in the last couple of years and England has failed to truly get over the hump. This group should be quite entertaining.

It hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing recently for the Italian national team (missing both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups), but if they are going to righten the ship for this Nations League then they need Insigne to be his usual self. There’s also a chance that this is the final major competition of Insigne’s International career, so that’s an extra layer to watch out for in this competition and an added reason for Insigne to make an impact on top of MLS and Toronto fans awaiting his arrival.

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