Top 5 players to appear in the MLS

The popularity of soccer has grown significantly since USA's strong performance in the recent 2014 World Cup. The domestic soccer league, the MLS, had been rising in importance and popularity for some time now, with some of the World's best players (David Beckham, David Villa and Thierry Henry to name a few) choosing to spend the twilight years of their career for various US based teams.

The result of both of these factors are having a positive effect on the sport in the US, with increasing television audiences generating more money for the game, which in turn enables clubs to attract better players and even compete with the top European teams, where soccer is the number one sport. The popularity of soccer in nations such as England, Spain, France and Italy is even greater than the popularity of NFL within the US. Many people in these nations place weekly wagers on the sport, and enjoy free bets at sites such as www.freebetgenie.co.uk.

So which are the best 5 players ever to play in the MLS?

5) Brad Friedel
It's been almost 20 years since Brad Friedel last played in the MLS, as he has since gone on to play for some of the top teams in England (Liverpool & Spurs), as well as winning 82 caps for the USA. Freidel may be 43 years old, but is still regarded as a top goalkeeper at his current club Spurs.

4) Tim Cahill
The Australian was voted into the MLS team of the year last season, and the goal scoring midfielder has a successful 10 year stint at Premier League side Everton before that. With over 35 international goals from midfield, there are few players who can boast such a record.

3) Landon Donavon
Probably the best known soccer player in the USA, Donovan was named in the MLS team of the year for 4 consecutive seasons between 2008 and 2012, despite also playing in the Premier League on loan during the close-season! Donovan has a staggering 156 caps for the USA national team.

2) Thierry Henry
Henry boasts an impressive resume which includes Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona before moving to the MLS. During his time at Arsenal, Henry was runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year twice, and also named the PFA Players' Player of the Year twice.

1) David Beckham
Beckham is not only the most famous and best player to ever play in the MLS, he is arguably one of the most famous sportsmen on the planet. Beckham is England's most capped outfield player with 115 caps, as well as winning Championship's with Man Utd, Real Madrid, PSG and LA Galaxy.

The MLS has had many great players over the years, and picking this shortlist meant we couldn't mention some top quality players. Hard luck to them, perhaps they should try their luck on the pokies at PokiesHeaven next time.