MLS
CROSSING OVER BY: SEAN MASLIN
T
he transfer season is upon us! Although the football transfer never really stops the summer season always seems to be the busiest period for teams. One of the biggest areas of focus in recent years seems to come from Major League Soccer. The fledgling North American league has provided countless players for European clubs in recent years, especially in the younger ages. Alphonso Davies (Vancouver Whitecaps/Bayern Munich), Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls/Red Bull Leipzig), and Jack Harrison (New York City FC/ Leeds United) are just the tip of the iceberg of the influx of talent coming from North America influencing the European game? So where should teams look when doing their summer soccer shopping? Soccer 360 Magazine’s Sean Maslin has some key names to keep an eye on during this summer window. GOALKEEPER- ANDRE BLAKE (PHILADELPHIA UNION) A two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Blake is at the top of his game right now for the Union. While he has always been known for his highlight-reel saves, he has improved his timing and backfield organization over the past two seasons. Although he is 30, goalkeepers generally tend to have much longer careers than field players. He has always had an interest in playing in Europe but Philadelphia always seemed reluctant to move him. With the sides recent change of philosophy, developing younger players and selling players abroad, a move seems much more likely than in year’s past. DEFENDER- JULIAN ARAJUO (LOS ANGELES GALAXY) Arajuo has had a bit of a tough run with the Galaxy in 2021, suffering through a bit of a poor run of form early on. But he seems to have finally re-gained his edge, helping Los Angeles keep near the top of the Western Conference. His close marking and tenacious tackling are two skills that many sides in Europe could use. But he could use a little more limelight to help showcase what he can do. Making a choice between Mexico and the United States for international duty and playing in the Gold Cup could help increase his spotlight. DEFENDER- GEORGE BELLO (ATLANTA UNITED FC) Right now one of the major positions of need across football is for young, fast, left-backs that are also able to defend closely. Although Bello is still a bit of a work in progress in defense, he has improved greatly under new coach Gabriel Heinze. Atlanta is one of the top clubs in MLS at developing young players and connecting them with teams in Europe. While they might like to give him an additional year of seasoning before venturing out into the transfer market, should the right offer come through they will definitely listen. DEFENDER- SAM VINES (COLORADO RAPIDS) Vines is a two-way player that is comfortable leading an attack from the outside as well as tracking back to stop a counter. His speed and
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SOCCER360 JULY • AUGUST 2021
"HIS STRENGTH AND SPEED UP TOP HAVE HELPED TORONTO FC THIS SEASON AND MAKE HIM A DANGEROUS TARGET FOR ANY SIDE." tracking ability on defense would make him a great fit for a team in need of some juice off of the bench. He did just sign a long-term deal with the Rapids but that may be more of a preventative measure to ensure that they get some monetary return on their rising star. MIDFIELDER- COLE BASSETT (COLORADO RAPIDS) At just 19 years old, Bassett has steadily become one of the top midfielders in MLS, leading his team in both goals and assists last season. While he is certainly an asset at the end of attacking plays, he really shines on setting up the counter-attack, always finding the right pass at the right possible moment. What’s interesting is that he is the exact type of player that the Rapids Owners (Kroneke Sports and Entertainment) need for their other soccer team: Arsenal. Bassett has the skillset to thrive in the Premier League and Arsenal would give him time to adapt.
MIDFIELDER- GIANLUCA BUSIO (SPORTING KANSAS CITY) Busio has been on the radar for European clubs for a number of years, thanks in part to earning a starting spot for Sporting at the age of 16. Just 18 years old, Busio has become a consistent starter for Vermes’ side, making 37 appearances for the defending Western Conference champions over the past two seasons. His patience with the ball and ability to deliver crisp passes to attackers make him a perfect target for teams in Serie A and the Netherlands (both of which he has been heavily linked to). His goal-scoring touch is still a work in progress, but Vermes tends to have him in a more conservative midfield setup. If
