MLS All-Stars: Best signings XI

We've shown you the worst MLS has to offer, so now we thought we'd bring you the best eleven signings to grace the division.

With numerous MLS titles between them, plenty of individual awards and even the odd league record thrown in, this team would be a match for anyone.

While plenty of homegrown talents have lit up the league over the years, the foreign imports have certainly played their part and none more so than these eleven men.

Ricketts is now with his fourth MLS franchise

Goalkeeper – Donovan Ricketts (LA Galaxy, Montreal Impact, Portland Timbers & Orlando City)

One of only four keepers even to win MLS Goalkeeper of the Year twice, the Jamaican centurion has made a real impression on the league in recent seasons.

The former Bradford City stopper won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy and at 37-year-old Ricketts is still going strong having added some much needed experience to new franchise Orlando. 

Right Centre Back – Lubos Kubik (Chicago Fire & Dallas Burn)

The current USMNT assistant manager made an instant impact upon his 1998 arrival, helping expansion side Chicago win the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in their first season.

He was voted MLS Defender of the Year and the following season added to his attacking repertoire, scoring five times and creating eight others, to make back-to-back MLS Best XI’s.

Centre Back – Ryan Nelsen (D.C. United)

Former Blackburn skipper Nelsen

The former Toronto manager turned out for United before making his mark in England with Blackburn Rovers, helping them win their fourth MLS Cup in 2004.

The New Zealander was an influential figure and replaced franchise icon Marco Etcheverry as captain after being named the team’s Defender of the Year in his second season.

Left Centre Back – Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake & New York Red Bulls)

The commanding Colombian has been the model of consistency since his 2008 arrival in MLS, winning the 2010 MLS Defender of the Year Award.

He has also helped both his franchises win silverware, the 2009 MLS Cup with Salt Lake and the 2013 Supporters’ Shield with Red Bulls and at 33-year-old there may be more to come.

Right Midfield – David Beckham (LA Galaxy)

His off field impact is difficult to comprehend, brand Beckham helped take MLS to a level it had never been and brought worldwide attention to the domestic soccer scene.

His influence wasn’t bad on the field either, helping Galaxy win two MLS Cups and two Supporters’ Shields as well as firing in a few trademark free-kicks.

Central Midfield – Marco Etcheverry (D.C. United)

The Bolivian took the league by storm when he joined United in the inaugural season and helped them win three of the first four MLS Cups.

It’s perhaps not surprising to see that in just 191 games he racked up 101 assists and scored 34 goals to go down as arguably the most influential midfielder in MLS history.

Valderrama was one of MLS' first superstars

Central Midfield – Carlos Valderrama (Tampa Bay Mutiny & Colorado Rapids)

One of the most recognisable players in soccer history, the Colombian with the long blonde locks could also play a bit and was one of MLS’ first superstars.

He was an All-Star in his first season and won the Supporters’ Shield before going on to set the record for the number of assists in the regular season, 26, that still stands today. 

Left Midfield – Predrag Radosavljevic (Kansas City Wizards & Miami Fusion)

Known as Preki, the former Everton flyer also turned out for indoor soccer franchises in the US but it was with Kansas that he truly made his name.

The two-time MLS MVP scored 79 goals in just 242 league appearances from midfield and was inducted into the American National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2010.

Right Forward – Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)

Last season’s MVP has made quite the impression since arriving in LA, helping Galaxy win three of the last four MLS Cup’s in a period of sustained dominance.

His link-up play with USA legend Landon Donovan has taken the league by storm and something Ireland’s leading scorer will surely look to emulate with imminent arrival Steven Gerrard.

Centre Forward – Jaime Moreno (D.C. United & New York MetroStars)

Moreno says farewell to D.C. fans after his final game

Moreno joined D.C. United from Middlesbrough in 1996 and alongside Etcheverry was part of the all conquering side in the mid 1990s, winning the Golden Boot in his second season.

A brief unsuccessful spell in New York dampened his reputation somewhat but he returned to United and became the first player to both score and create 100 MLS goals.

Left Forward – Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)

Arguably the most naturally gifted player to grace MLS, Kaka may argue with that, but the World Cup winner was certainly a star during his five years in New York.

He was Red Bulls’ chief creator and led them to two Eastern Conference titles, as well as a Supporters’ Shield – a reputation that saw his named an MLS All-Star four times.

Images courtesy of Alex Menendez, Laurence Griffiths, Bongarts and Larry French, with thanks.