Thursday 5 March 2015 10:05, UK
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are both set to make their moves across the Atlantic this summer, yet there are already former Premier League stars impressing in Major League Soccer...
Robbie Keane
Appearances: 34
Goals: 21
Assists: 12
Chances Created: 66
Chances Converted: 19%
The 2014 MLS Most Valuable Player was a major factor in LA Galaxy lifting the MLS Cup. The Irish international in fact scored the winner in injury time against New England to seal the title.
Keane ranked third in the top scorer’s standings, but his number of assists proved he was able to create goals as well as find the back of the net himself.
Keane was involved in more goals than any other player in MLS last season, proving that at the age of 34 he is still a vital asset. His combination with Steven Gerrard could elevate his game further.
Clint Dempsey
Appearances: 30
Goals: 16
Assists: 7
Chances Created: 67
Chances Converted: 26%
In his first full season in MLS, Clint Dempsey was a consistent performer throughout.
Even though the US national team captain missed a number of fixtures midway through the summer due to World Cup commitments, Dempsey proved instrumental as Seattle enjoyed their most successful season in franchise history – lifting the US Open Cup and MLS Supporters’ Shield.
The ex-Fulham and Tottenham attacking midfielder played as the number 10 in behind former Newcastle and Birmingham striker Obafemi Martins for most of the year and forged a partnership with the Nigerian that is widely considered one of the most dangerous in MLS.
Bradley Wright-Phillips
Appearances: 34
Goals: 27
Assists: 2
It already seems as though BWP winning the MLS Golden Boot in 2014 is quickly becoming a fading memory as the new season draws near. Twenty-seven goals in 32 league appearances made him the joint highest top scorer ever in MLS during a single regular season. He will be looking to match, or even improve on, his record as he enters 2015 under new management at New York Red Bulls.
Wright-Phillips will be without his former strike partner Thierry Henry from now on, meaning he must prove that he can create more goals individually. New York Red Bulls are likely to play with only a single striker up front this season, and with NYCFC now emerging on the scene, it’s as if Wright-Phillips will have to prove himself all over again. It should be an interesting watch to see how he fares. If he scored the same number of goals for a second season running – could an England call-up be on the cards?
Giles Barnes
Appearances: 34
Goals: 11
Assists: 5
Chances Created: 38
Chances Converted: 13%
Having played for Derby County during their tough single season the Premier League and also for West Brom, Barnes is enjoying something of a revival in MLS. The attacking midfielder, often deployed as a striker, was the Houston Dynamo Most Valuable Player and highest team scorer with 11.
His pace, size and physicality makes him difficult for opposing defenders whilst his ability to create high up the pitch has grabbed headlines. Giles Barnes is aged just 26 and his production has improved greatly since entering the league in 2012 with Houston, when he scored one goal in 4 games after he joined in the summer.
2015 could be a real breakout season for a man who was once touted as a wonderkid back in England.
Liam Ridgewell
Appearances: 15
Tackles Won: 82%
Interceptions: 38
Clearances: 109
Ridgewell only joined Portland Timbers in June, but was drafted in as a late replacement in the MLS All-Star team in August such was his early impact at the club. Ridgewell had spent most of his career at Birmingham-based clubs but decided to swap life in England for a completely different football experience.
Joining the league aged 29 – and still in his prime – Ridgewell helped improve Portland’s fragile defence.
As the team focused on ball retention and pressurising teams high up the pitch, Ridgewell’s athleticism and experience helped stabilise matters at the back. After his return from his loan at Wigan, Ridgewell should have a significant part to play at Portland in 2015.
Watch Orlando City v New York City, followed by Sporting Kansas City v New York Red Bulls, live on Sky Sports 3 from 9pm on Sunday
