2017 MLS Pre-Season Top 10 Center Backs
As I said in my left back article, I will be moving left to right on my defense. So obviously next comes the center backs. With all of the great center backs in MLS this was a very difficult list to create. I can understand if there is plenty of disagreement with this list, so please let me know on Twitter!
10. Liam Ridgewell, Portland Timbers
The English defender may have wore himself a bit too thing last season. After a MLS Cup win in 2015 he went on loan to a Championship team during the offseason. He began his play in 2016 really well before getting injured for a majority of the season. Ridgewell is a strong defender that can fight off strong attempts from opposing offenses. He knows the game and knows how to strategically win on the backline. The Portland captain will be key for the success in 2017.
9. Chad Marshall, Seattle Sounders
Chad Marshall is one of the best defenders in MLS history. He is 6'4, and doesn't let much by him at this point. His only downfall going into 2017 is his age. Marshall is 32 which means he's a bit slower than opposing forwards. He doesn't make mistakes much but when he does he doesn't have the recovery speed to make up for it. Nevertheless, I am fully confident in Marshall's ability to be a top center back in MLS and lead the Sounders onto another successful season.
8. Kendall Waston, Vancouver Whitecaps
Waston may rack up the red cards throughout a season but he sure is one tough defender. He won't get bodied off the ball and will clear mostly anything in the box. His biggest downfall is his temper. As I said, he will rack up the red cards and miss games due to that fact. But at the end of the day if you are a starting center back for you club team and then a starting center back for Costa Rica you are doing plenty right.
7. Roman Torres, Seattle Sounders
Many questioned why the Sounders signed Torres to such a larger contract. Before coming back from injury last season he barely played and when he did, he was ineffective. But a healthy Torres is something to reckon with. Torres is tough on the ball and will not shy away from an attacking player. Torres is a skilled passer and can out head any player on the field. Torres is someone who I am excited to see play more than 9 games in 2017.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
6. Steve Birnbaum, D.C. United
Are you ready to feel the Birn in 2017? Steve Birnbaum has established himself into one of the best American center backs. Birnbaum is only 26 years old, he is tall, strong, and experienced enough to take on just about anyone in MLS. I expect another stellar season from Birnbaum where he will get even more European interest.
5. Laurent Ciman, Montreal Impact
Ciman took a step back from MLS Defender of the Year in 2015 but he still had himself a great season north of the border. Ciman's efforts in MLS has earned him some national team experience with Belgium. The bald headed assassin will continue to torment MLS offenses in 2017 and add another veteran leader to the club. Ciman and the rest of the Montreal defense will look to get back into the playoffs for their first ever MLS Cup in 2017.
Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
4. Walker Zimmerman, FC Dallas
Walker Zimmerman has developed into one of the best young players in MLS. Zimmerman is only 23 and he started 30 games for FC Dallas last season. Zimmerman has even impressed enough for a USMNT call up. Last season's Defender of the Year award was deservingly given to Matt Hedges but I could understand an argument for Walker Zimmerman. His youth and strength is very similar to Steven Birnbaum.
3. Axel Sjoberg, Colorado Rapids
One of the few breakout stars of 2016 was Rapids center back, Axel Sjoberg. Sjoberg was by far the best defender on a Rapids team that was the best defensive team in MLS. So think about it... best defender on the best defensive team... he's good. At the large frame of 6'7, Sjoberg is hard to get by physically or with a ball. I am expecting to see Sjoberg flourish again being paired with similar teammates on the defense.
2. Jelle Van Damme, Los Angeles Galaxy
The runner up to the Defender of the Year in 2016 is also my runner up in pre-season top ten center backs. Van Damme proved to be an excellent passer from the backline and someone who could even move with the ball. Van Damme looked a bit like a #6 at times with his ability to dominate teams. I like Van Damme as another leader for the Galaxy and for a potential MLS Defender of the Year.
1. Matt Hedges, FC Dallas
Hedges was well deserving of last season's MLS Defender of the Year. Hedges is still relatively young, crazy talented, and pretty quick. Hedges can easily come in next season, play 30+ games, score a few goals on set pieces, and lead a very talented backline. My early season pick for Defender of the Year is between Hedges and Van Damme once again.
