As we continue our build up to the 2015 Major League Soccer season, here’s a look at 10 players who could be the top returners this season. Ranking them from 10-1, here it goes…
10 -- Obafemi Martins, Seattle Sounders
All the flips...
9 -- Tony Tchani, Columbus Crew
Probably has a future with the USMNT if he matches last season’s output.
8 – Osvaldo Alonso, Seattle Sounders
The hard-nosed agitator gets it done.
7 – Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York Red Bulls
Scored 28 goals last year. How much of a hit will he take with Sacha Kljestan in and Thierry Henry out.
6 – Darlington Nagbe, Portland Timbers
Possibly the most overlooked star in MLS.
5– Omar Gonzalez, LA Galaxy
Again, without the World Cup hiatus, his numbers will be otherworldly.
4– Lee Nguyen, New England Revolution
He earned those MVLee chants last year.
3 – Michael Bradley, Toronto FC
Head on up to BMO Field and watch the man work. In a non-World Cup season with help from a healthy Steven Caldwell, Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, it’s game on.
2 – Clint Dempsey, Seattle Sounders
Some are going to tell you teammates Alonso and Martins deserve a shout here, but Dempsey gives you far better attack than the former and far better possession than the latter.
1 – Robbie Keane, LA Galaxy
Until he gives a single sign that he’s lost a step, he’s the man... even before Stevie G hits Hollywood.
On the fringe: Gyasi Zardes (L.A.), Matt Hedges (Dallas), Diego Valeri (Portland), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose), Bill Hamid (DC), Kyle Beckerman (RSL), Graham Zusi (KC), Federico Higuain (Columbus), Jermaine Jones (NE), David Ousted (Vancouver), Chad Marshall (Seattle), Dom Dwyer (KC).