MLS has hosted top European icons like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in their later years. The list of the best MLS defenders includes Alexi Lalas, Eddie Pope, and Chad Marshall. Former Premier League stars Liam Ridgewell and Carlos Bocanegra also make the list.
The Major Soccer League (MLS) has seen some of Europe's top talent during the back end of their years, as the United States' top-flight division has been host to some of football's biggest icons, with Lionel Messi , Sergio Busquets , Giorgio Chiellini and Luis Suarez the most iconic names residing in the USA. Having previously been home to superstars such as David Beckham , Zlatan Ibrahimovic , Thierry Henry , and Wayne Rooney , the defenders of the MLS have some pretty capable attackers to fend off on a regular basis. With that in mind, here are some of the best defenders to have ever graced the MLS, and regardless of the many top imports from Europe, this list is still largely comprised of players from the United States.
Achievements Individual awards MLS legacy Defensive ability From David Beckham to Cobi Jones, here are 10 of the best MLS midfielders of all time. 10 Liam Ridgewell Starting off this list with a name familiar to Premier League fans for his time spent at Birmingham City , Aston Villa , and West Bromwich Albion , Liam Ridgewell spent five years out in the United States, racking up 97 appearances for the Portland Timbers, winning the MLS Cup, and scoring six goals. Ridgewell was also part of the team th.