While America's Major League Soccer is a long way from being one of the best leagues in the world, it is far better than most people in Europe give it credit for.
Not only are top class players seeing out their playing days in the MLS - Kaká, David Villa and Bastian Schweinsteiger for example - it's actually a league that has been producing top class talent for years; the likes of Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard and Michael Bradley all came from the MLS.
In this article, we'll take a look at 10 players who we believe will follow in their footsteps by playing in Europe's biggest league. Remember their names!
Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas)
Kellyn Acosta is a 22-year-old combative defensive midfielder who has 14 caps for the United States national team. His profile has risen exponentially in the last year or so, with the youngster having been integral in FC Dallas' success in both the Supporters’ Shield and US Open Cup.
Acosta is incredibly versatile and has, at some point (including his youth career), played in every position on the pitch. He has spoken of his desire to move to Europe in the last couple of months - in fact, he expects it to happen within a year - and we can definitely see it happening if he continues to develop at the rate he is now.
Paul Arriola (D.C. United)
Paul Arriola is a 22-year-old winger who actually started his professional career in Mexico with Tijuana. He now plays for D.C. United, whom he joined for a club record $3 million earlier this year, and has earned 11 caps for the United States national team.
Prior to him signing for D.C. United, several teams in both the Netherlands and Portugal were believed to have held a strong interest in Arriola. If his form for his new side continues to be as good as it was in Mexico, there'll be interest from even better quality European leagues than those two in the future.
Bill Hamid (D.C. United)
Another D.C. United player, Bill Hamid is the oldest man on this list at the age of 26. He was widely expected to have departed for Europe a few years ago, but injury has hampered his career in recent times. He should, however, still get a big move if he keeps up his recent form.
A competent goalkeeper with great technique and incredible hand strength, Hamid was the youngest in his position in MLS history when he made his debut in 2010. He is now the goalkeeper who holds the record for the most appearances between the posts for D.C. United. He has 3 caps for the United States national team.
Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia Union)
23-year-old right back Keegan Rosenberry plays for Philadelphia Union and recently earned his first call-up to the United States national squad (though he didn't feature on the pitch). He was the runner-up in 2016's MLS Rookie of the Year race and made the MLS All-Star squad that same year.
At his best, he's a rock solid defender who also offers a lot going forward, but he has faltered of late. While there is no firm interest from Europe, if he can regain his best form, a move to a big side will surely come - his first name is the surname of one of the most talented European strikers of all time, after all.
Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)
Cristian Roldan is the 22-year-old starting deep-lying midfielder for Seattle Sounders. He has been described as a sponge who absorbs and retains everything his coaches tell him, and who also takes on the positive habits and characteristics of his teammates.
He was a key member of the 2016 MLS Cup-winning team, has 1 cap for the United States national side and is definitely destined for bigger things. Simply put, he is one of the best young players in North America and could well become the complete midfielder. Europe undoubtedly beckons for Roldan - if Europe's best teams know what's good for them, that is.
Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders)
Like Roldan, Morris was an important member of the Sounders' 2016 MLS Cup-winning team. The 22-year-old striker has earned considerably more international caps, however, having turned out for the United States 22 times - and scoring five goals in the process.
Morris was also given the MLS Rookie of the Year Award in 2016, meaning he was considered the best player with no prior professional experience that season. Werder Bremen wanted to sign him a couple of years ago, but he wanted to start his professional career in his home country. It's inevitable, however, that more European sides will covet his signature in the near future.
Kekuta Manneh (Columbus Crew)
22-year-old Kekuta Manneh is a Gambian winger who plays for Columbus Crew. In his first MLS season, in 2013 when he was playing for Vancouver Whitecaps, he showed flashes of real brilliance and even became the first teenager to score an MLS hat-trick.
Back then, he was interesting the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, but his career stagnated somewhat and he went off the radar of Europe's big guns. Thankfully, he had time on his side and is now showing glimpses of his best form again. If he keeps it up, it's only a matter of time before the big clubs start showing an interest again.
Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla (Montreal Impact)
Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla is an Ivory Coast-born Canadian attacking midfielder who plays for Montreal Impact. Tabla trained alongside Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, who is, of course, Ivorian himself, when the striker had a year in Montreal.
Drogba was impressed with what he saw of the now 18-year-old Canada U20 international - who has also been called into the senior squad - and recommended him to the Blues. The skilful player has an eye for goal and scored on his MLS debut - and if Drogba liked what he saw in him, it's surely only a matter of time before he gets a big move.
Alex Bono (Toronto FC)
Alex Bono is a 23-year-old goalkeeper who has already established himself as Toronto FC's first choice man between the posts. He has pulled off some absolute wonder saves in the last few months, which has resulted in a lot of positive attention for the former United States U18 international.
He has recently spoken of his desire to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Brad Guzan and Tim Howard, and it's very likely that he will do so if he keeps up his recent form - both in terms of becoming a senior international player and earning a move to Europe.
Lindo Mfeka (San Jose Earthquakes)
This is our wildcard pick, as Lindo Mfeka hasn't really set the football world alight yet - and he certainly hasn't attracted any interest from Europe - but we really like what we've seen of him.
The 23-year-old South African midfielder is currently on loan from San Jose Earthquakes to Reno 1868 in the USL - the second tier of football in the United States - but he's got a great touch, fantastic feet, knows how to weight a pass and where the goal is. If he's given the opportunity, with a bit of luck, he could make a real impact in MLS and pique the interest of some European giants.
