When it comes to MLS’ Designated Player, it comes down to finding the fountain of youth

Major League Soccer's preseason is just around the corner, and teams are working hard to improve as the offseason continues. One big statement way to do so remains as a designated player.

The Designated Player Rule, born in the era of David Beckham joining the league, was a nod to the league's desire to have the world's brightest stars play here and to incentivize teams to pursue stars beyond their sport. It's rooted.

However, as the designated player rule evolved, teams primarily moved away from the biggest names in the sport and instead went after rising young stars. There are currently 41 designated players signed with teams in the Eastern Conference. Of these, 7 of his DPs are under the age of 23, and 14 are over the age of 30.

The majority of the East Region's designated players (21 players) are between the ages of 24 and 29. Combined with Homegrown Players and the league's U-22 Initiative (which allows teams to sign players under the age of 22 at a reduced salary cap fee), the league is giving teams more opportunities to rejuvenate by giving them big-budget signings. It will provide incentives.

Still, some teams, like Inter Miami, who signed Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets to DP deals, are making room for generational talent known around the world.

These star players are brought in to sell tickets and merchandise, providing teams with high-profile stars in hopes of drawing casual fans and marketable legends to the league. And the team hopes some of the skills that have taken these players to TVs around the world will help them win on the field. Most teams would jump at the opportunity to call up legends like Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

In the past, designated player slots were dominated by American players, but the number has been decreasing recently due to the increase in American players. USMNT Stars head to Europe to play in their prime. Instead, the team looked south to find its next designated player. Argentina (52) is the home country for the most designated players in Major League Soccer history, followed by the United States (25), Brazil (18), Mexico (17) and Colombia. (14 people) follow. .

However, the majority of these players come from European teams, and MLS also wants to establish a pipeline to help send players to Europe. Of the Eastern Conference designated players, 26 came to MLS from European clubs, while seven came from South American teams, three from North American teams, and two from Asian teams. Four designated players are already with MLS clubs and have either been traded or promoted to DP status within the league.

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However, most teams focus on young talent who perform as designated players. DC United and CF Montreal are the only teams without designated players under the age of 30. Many teams are focusing on signing homegrown players as well as signing U-22 initiatives to keep their rosters young, leaving designated player slots open to find those players. ing. At the peak of their ability to make an immediate impact.

There is no blueprint for success in Major League Soccer. Teams expect their designated players to bring trophies to the club, whether they are European club legends, unproven young talents, or a combination of both.

But as teams in the Eastern Conference prepare to compete in the MLS Cup and the upstart League's Cup, they hope to have the best combination of players, and whether it's the diamond in the rough or the brightest star. I'm trying to find out. In the sky.