There are a host of star players in the MLS this season. Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba are all back for a second year. There are also some big names who have recently joined them in the MLS.
With the new campaign stateside set to kick-off this weekend, and last beyond the end of the Premier League season, many punters in the bar are excited for the return of the MLS- whilst a few lads have vowed to take some interest for the first time this season.
Whether you’re a staunch MLS follower or a newbie to American ‘soccer’, it always helps to know who you should be looking out for so we’ve helped you by putting together a selection of the five players to watch out for when it all kicks off on March 6.
Hit the MLS biggest former name David Beckham below to see FIVE players to watch out for!
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Andrea Pirlo
The 36-year old joined New York FC from Juventus in the summer after making his final appearance for the Italian giants in their loss to Barcelona in the Champions League final.
With the 2016 MLS campaign just days away, Pirlo hasn’t ruling out the idea of extending of his deal past the original end date of 2017.
‘I don’t rule out the idea of staying here,’’ he said. ‘‘That could be something interesting.’’
Kaka
Kaka has already been given the role of club captain for Orlando, and now he’ll be looking to enjoy the same success he experienced in his debut season.
The former AC Milan and Real Madrid midfielder has settled in well to Orlando, scoring 9 goals in 28 appearances.
At the age of 33, Kaka still has a lot more left to give and will be hoping he can earn a call-up the Brazilian national team if his form from last year continues.
David Villa
The former Valencia, Athletico Madrid and Barcelona player enjoyed a relatively successful debut season in the MLS, despite NYCFC’s failings in the league.
The former Spain international ranked netted 18 goals and provided 8 assists and is considered New York’s main source of goals.
Villa believes New York are in a stronger position than last year because of recent additions to their squad. “This year is different. We started the first day with these good players, other players, with the team more compact. I think it’s important,” Villa said. “The preseason has been good. We have a lot of time yet until the first game. We hope to be ready for the [opener on the] 6th of March.”
Robbie Keane
Keane has played in the MLS for five years and has already scored 73 goals in 108 appearances.
Last season, despite being sidelined for some time, still managed to score 20 goals and provide a further 7 assists.
The 35-year-old is undoubtedly the main goalscorer of the team, and will hoping the likes of Steven Gerrard and Giovani Dos Santos can help repeat his success from last season.
Steven Gerrard
…And last but by no means least the Liverpool legend that is Steven Gerrard. The former England captain has admitted his time in professional football might finally be up: “I’m not 100 per cent sure but I think it will probably be my last year as a player.”
He will certainly want to improve on a disappointing debut season in the MLS, only scoring 2 goals and assisting 3.
However, he will be hoping he can form some kind of partnership in midfield with new LA Galaxy signing Nigel de Jong, who was released by AC Milan.
