As another season begins, there are a lot of expectations on the various MLS clubs and their players.
This emphasis and focus become even a notch higher if the player is a designated player. This is due to the fact that a designated player can be signed above the salary cap and he usually is a big-name player from the European circuit.
Now, due to the talent and the ability a DP brings, he more often than not is the focal point in the line-up, and the expectations set on him are higher.
The first-ever DP was signed in 2007 when this rule was incepted and the first player to sign was David Beckham.
So, right from the start, the bar has been set very high by David Beckham and that is why every DP who comes in has a high amount of expectation placed on him.
Many DPs that have followed David Beckham has lived up to the hype while a few have faulted.
Will this season’s designated players live up to the hype? – well, it’s hard to predict at the start of the season, but we can surely speculate.
Here is a list of the best Designated Player signings (potentially) who will play in the 2022 MLS season!
Xherdan Shaqiri, Chicago Fire
He may not have lived up to the hype at Bayern Munich or Inter Milan, but he was so good at Stoke City that he ended himself at Liverpool.
He’s only played 11 games for Lyon since the start of the season, and now he’s on his way to MLS, where he can completely dominate.
His technical brilliance, ability to attack from wherever, and pure vision should all contribute significantly to Chicago’s improvement. The Switzerland international should provide lots of exciting moments.
Lorenzo Insigne, Toronto FC
The Italian attacking midfielder arrives in Toronto with high hopes. He joins as part of a larger rebuild for a club that has gone from competing in the 2020 MLS Cup to finishing 13th last season.
Insigne, a 30-year-old left-winger, understands how to produce with pace and accuracy. He excels in a 4-3-3 formation, which coach Bob Bradley prefers, so expect Insigne to prosper while also helping his teammates improve.
Douglas Costa, Los Angeles Galaxy
The Brazilian offensive midfielder is best recognized for his time at Bayern Munich and Juventus, as well as his performance for Brazil at the 2018 World Cup. While the tendency in Major League Soccer is to recruit young South American players, the Galaxy went with a 31-year-old with plenty of experience.
The Los Angeles Galaxy still need help in defense, but you can argue that Costa and Chicharito are as talented of an attacking duo as the league has.
Thiago Almada, Atlanta United
Thiago Almada has a lot of inventiveness and quality, and the step up from Vélez Sarsfield is manageable.
He has the ability to play in the Premier League right now, and his move to Atlanta was a surprise. He has the potential to become one of the league’s greatest players straight away.
Adding him to an already strong lineup might catapult this team to contender status almost immediately.
