My Long Distance (Please Come to MLS) Valentine's Day Article
With Valentine's Day right around the corner I have decided to write an article about my loves. Now these loves are kind of specific and they are all long distance. I am going to give you all a list of ten foreign American players who I would love to come and play in MLS. This list isn't going to just be a list of the best Americans overseas or even the best young American overseas. This will be a list of Americans who I feel will be a perfect match for MLS.
Jonathan Bornstein, Rightback for Queretaro FC
With a league lacking true skill at the fullback position, the possible addition of Bornstein is interesting. He is older at the age of 32 but being a fullback will help him play longer. Bornstein as played in 13 games for Queretaro so far in this young Liga MX season. I am can think of plenty of teams in need for a quality rightback including; Seattle, San Jose, Orlando City, Minnesota United, Houston, Columbus, and Chicago. I think one of the teams that I listed should call up Jonathan because he could be a perfect match for them.
Paul Arriola, Forward for Club Tijuana
Here is another possible connection that is currently located in Mexico. Arriola has seemed to finally broken through with Tijuana this season. He had played in a total of 19 games scoring 1 goal and 2 assists. Though those numbers aren't going to jump off the page at you, his impact with the club is being felt. He has also made an impact with the USMNT. In 3 appearances for the senior squad he has scored twice. Not that Arriola will be a starter any time in the close future, he has produced. Arriola could come into a few MLS clubs and add a quality forward threat. These clubs include; D.C. United, Colorado, Minnesota, New England, Orlando City, Philly, San Jose, SKC, or even Vancouver.
Luis Gil, Midfielder for Queretaro FC
I'm going to continue on the Mexico roll here. Gill is only 23 years old and I think could start for most MLS midfields. He played in over 130 matches for RSL between 2010 and 2015. In 2016 till now he has only played in 10 matches down in Mexico however. I think a move back to MLS would be great for him. He would get solid playing experience and maybe even more chances at the USMNT. Gil could come in and have a starting spot with plenty of teams including; Chicago, Colorado, D.C. United, Houston, Minnesota, Montreal, New England, Orlando City, Philly, RSL (again), San Jose, SKC, and Vancouver.
Jorge Villafana, Leftback for Santos Laguna
I promise this will be my last player from Mexico.... I think. I might have just added him due to his recent performance in January camp but Villfana is an instant starter at leftback in MLS. Plenty of teams in MLS could use an experienced leftback with the ability to push up the sideline and have link up play with the midfield. Villafana also has MLS winning experience with him winning MLS Cup with the Timbers. Clubs like the Crew, Houston, Minnesota, San Jose, SKC, and Vancouver could all use Villafana moving in as a potential starting player.
Joshua Gatt, Winger/midfielder and currently a free agent
Gatt is a player that reminds me of someone like Luis Gil. He will play outside, push up the field, and add great passing in the final third. Gatt last played for Molde FK which has given him some experience over in Europe. I think Gatt could come in a join any MLS team that was listed for Luis Gil. He is talented, he is only 25, and he can play A LOT of minutes for any club. I'm not sure if Gatt is starter ability right away in MLS but he does have the capability to be a major impact sub and spot starter.
Perry Kitchen, Defensive Midfielder for Hearts
If you, as a MLS fan, haven't realized that the need for a quality number six is necessary to win in than I have no idea what you have been watching. At the age of 24, Kitchen adds youth, adds MLS experience, and now adds European experience now that he has played in Scotland. Kitchen has impressed quite quickly and I'm pretty sure he has captained some games for the club. Kitchen could be a perfect match for clubs such as; D.C. United, Minnesota, Montreal, NYCFC, Orlando City, San Jose, SKC, and Vancouver.
Aron Johannsson, Forward for Werder Bremen
Johannsson is my first "pure" striker on my list. He is only 26 years old years old and has shown his ability to put shots on target. So far in the Bundesliga season he has scored 1 goal and 1 assist in 7 games for Werder Bremen. Johannsson is a Klinsmann found USMNT player and one that will never be a constant USMNT player. He may make a few Gold Cup rosters but probably not much more. But he does have the talent to play in the Bundesliga and I think he has the talent to come be a star in the United States. When I think of MLS clubs that need a true striker I think of clubs like; Colorado, D.C., FC Dallas, Minnesota, Montreal, Philly, and Vancouver.
Tim Ream, Centerback for Fulham
Ream is a guy with MLS experience. He has made a name for himself with both Bolton and Fulham in England's second division. To me I think MLS has better play and talent than in England's second division. He could come home and star for any number of MLS clubs. He has the quality of play to lead a MLS backline and be in contention for MLS Defender of the Year. Ream could fill in as the number one centerback for clubs like; Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, D.C., Houston, Minnesota, LA (as a number two centerback), Montreal, New England, NYCFC, NYRB, Orlando, Portland, San Jose, and Vancouver. He could also come in as a starting leftback for plenty of MLS clubs as well.
Eric Lichaj, Rightback for Nottingham Forest
I'm going to be honest here, my last few are all from the English Championship. I've said it before on this list and I'll say it again, American fullbacks should come home because MLS needs quality fullbacks! Lichaj is one who, similar to Ream, has developed and made a name for himself in England's second division. He has made over 130 appearances for Nottingham Forest since 2013. At the age of 28 he still has years left to make opposing forwards pay. Lichaj is my second rightback on this list and could easily fill in for any of the clubs I listed for Jonathan Bornstein above (see player number one). My final player is one familiar rightback that I would take over both Bornstein and Lichaj and that is...
DeAndre Yedlin, Rightback for Newcastle
I love DeAndre Yedlin. He is the best USMNT rightback and since his move to Newcastle, some have said the best rightback in the Championship. Yedlin has plenty of MLS experience with the Sounders and has also had some EPL experience with Tottenham (1 game...) and Sunderland. But now he has found his niche in English football... why not ruin it? Come back to MLS DeAndre, your home club is calling for you again.
