Following are five former lesser-known Liverpool players who have now shifted to MLS (Major League Soccer) and are playing in USA
Liverpool FC’s most obvious links to the other side of the Atlantic are the many fans and LFC supporters groups based on the continent, including the current owners, Fenway Sports Group from Boston. America also influence the way Liverpool runs their business, especially adapting Moneyball scouting methods and player analysis from baseball to football.
Apart from Steven Gerrard, there have been many MLS players over the years for whom Liverpool has played a part in their careers. Here’s a look at some of those less familiar former LFC names who are currently playing for MLS in USA and Canada.
5 Former Liverpool Players Who Play In MLS Now
Brad Smith
The Australian wing-back represented England during his youth and made eleven appearances for Liverpool as he rose. Searching for more regular football, Smith moved to Bournemouth on a permanent deal though he couldn’t break into the starting XI. In 2019, he made 29 appearances as the Seattle Sounders won the MLS Cup with Smith starting in the final against Toronto FC.
The move was made permanent in 2020 and the 27-year-old appears regularly for the club now. Smith has already notched up three goals and two assists for the club this season.
Chris Mavinga
Mavinga played a couple of years in Liverpool’s youth and then returned to his homeland. He then moved to Rubin Kazan and spent a few seasons out on loan back in France. After this unsettled career start, the Frenchman found a home in Canada with Toronto FC. He has now played over 100 games for them.
The club finished second in the MLS Cup 2019 but the new-boys Nashville knocked them out in the first round of the playoffs. The 30-year-old has been playing as a regular in the Toronto lineup so far this season in 2021.
Brooks Lemon
At 23, Lennon has already played for two MLS clubs since leaving LFC’s youth setup. He initially joined Real Salt Lake on loan in 2017 before making the deal permanent a year later. The versatile player has played in numerous positions, from his time playing as a forward at Liverpool to regular games at MLS as right-back. He now plies his trade for Atlanta United which is one of the more high-profile and well-supported teams in MLS.
Danny Wilson
Big things were predicted when left-footed center Danny Wilson joined Liverpool from Rangers for £2 million. But he failed to make the grade and was soon looking to continue his career elsewhere. He eventually moved back to Scotland on a permanent basis with Hearts and then Rangers again, before moving to the United States with Colorado Rapids in 2018.
Though the Rapids are one of the lower profile MLS clubs, they’ve started off the 2021 season well. Wilson now has over 60 appearances for the Denver-based side and has already scored one goal this year.
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