With MLS returning this weekend, we pick out five players to watch across the 2018 season
Ezequiel Barco - Atlanta United
The highly rated Ezequiel Barco was signed by Atlanta United from Independiente, in what was very a much a coup for the MLS side. The 18-year-old is one of the most exciting talents in the game and reinforces the influence Gerardo Martino carries having beaten a number of teams to the punch for the teenager. Sadly, supporters of Atlanta United and MLS won’t see Barco for the opening six weeks of the season due to injury, but it’ll be worth the wait. Barco chipping in with one goal and two assists in the Superliga this term prior to his move stateside, while averages of 3.6 key passes and 2.8 successful dribbles per 90 were both commendable returns for Independiente.
The 2018 MLS season kicks off this weekend, with new franchise Los Angeles FC starting their campaign with a tough trip to Seattle Sounders@grahamruthven will be previewing the action for the season -- https://t.co/20XHb4OCg7 pic.twitter.com/2yjrH2RXH4
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 2, 2018
Carlos Vela - Los Angeles FC
The latest franchise in MLS, Los Angeles FC will hope to make an immediate impact under Bob Bradley in their debut campaign, with Carlos Vela one of the standout arrivals. The Mexican joined from Real Sociedad and will hope to enjoy better luck in his first season in MLS than he did in his final campaign in La Liga, where he mustered just two starts before his move to LA. When on form, though, Vela is a difficult striker to stop for any opponent and MLS should prove no different. If he can hit the ground running, LAFC could by a surprise pick for a playoff spot.
Josef Martinez - Atlanta United
Returning to Atlanta United, and this time Josef Martinez. Having struggled for game time in Italy with Torino, the 24-year-old forward enjoyed a fine debut campaign in MLS, rattling in 19 goals and adding a further assist. Lethal in the 18-yard-box with either foot, Martinez will be confident of building on his fine goal return to help fire Atlanta United to success. The team secured a playoff spot, only to fall at the first hurdle to Columbus Crew on penalties last year. If Martinez can replicate his best form, then there’s no reason why Atlanta United can’t challenge for domestic honours, and the Venezuelan powerhouse challenge for the Golden Boot having come up five goals short.
Justin Meram - Orlando City
Following in the footsteps of a world renowned footballing superstar is no easy feat and Justin Meram is no exception. The Iraqi attacker enjoyed a splendid final season with Columbus Crew and with Kaka calling time on his glittering career, Orlando City moved to land Meram as his replacement in the final third. With 14 goals and six assist last term, 29-year-old has what it takes to succeed the Brazilian in Orlando, while returns of 2.7 successful dribbles and 1.6 key passes per 90 last season shows Meram has the means to apply amply pressure to an opposition defence. Provided he can transfer his Columbus Crew performances to Orlando City, Kaka will be a mere afterthought.
Cristian Roldan - Seattle Sounders
Last season was one to remember for Cristian Roldan, even accounting for the Sounders’ MLS Cup Final loss to Toronto FC. The American midfielder established himself as one of the hottest prospects stateside with his WhoScored rating (7.38) ranking among the top 10 players in the division. Six goals and two assists was a respectable return, but it was the 22-year-old’s defensive work that drew the admirers as he averaged 3.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game. He’ll look to build on that and help the Sounders to a second MLS Cup, with a more prominent role in the USMNT a possibility should he churn out yet another series of strong showings throughout the duration of MLS 2018.
