Steven Gerrard is on the way to the MLS, but which American players have been a success in Europe…
The biggest news story this week has been Steven Gerrard’s impending move from Liverpool to LA Galaxy, with the Reds captain set to join the MLS side at the end of the season when his Anfield contract expires.
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Gerrard will of course be joining David Beckham’s former employers, and could come face-to-face with former international teammate Frank Lampard, who will finally join New York City when his loan deal with Manchester City comes to an end.
But as the duo set to enhance the reputation of English players in the States, we look back at the best American imports to European football. With former Liverpool and Manchester United stars included, we count down the top twelve:
12) DaMarcus Beasley (PSV, Manchester City, Rangers, Hannover)
The now veteran left back move to Europe with PSV, before a year on loan at Manchester City. He then spent three seasons with Rangers before returning to America in 2011, after a year in Germany.
11) Geoff Cameron (Stoke City)
The defender joined Stoke in 2012, and has become a permanent fixture in their team, making 85 Premier League appearances thus far. Still only 29-years-old, he has a good couple of years left in him.
10) Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham, Rennes, Saint-Etienne, Rangers, Racing Santander)
Played for Fulham between 2004 and 2008, making over 100 league appearances before moving to France. Joined Rangers in 2011 and even spent a year on loan in La Liga before finishing his career in the States.
9) Kasey Keller (Millwall, Leicester City, Rayo Vallecano, Tottenham, Southampton, Borussia Monchengladbach, Fulham)
The long-serving goalkeeper began his European adventure with Millwall, for whom he played between 1992 and 1996. Continued his English adventure with Leicester, Tottenham, Southampton and Fulham, while also starring in Spain and Germany.
8) Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, Hull City)
Has become Villa’s number one stopper after finally emerging from the shadow of countryman Brad Friedel, and fellow rival stopper Shay Given. Has played a crucial role in keeping Villa in the Premier League in recent years.
7) Jermaine Jones (Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen, Schalke, Blackburn, Besiktas)
Failed to impress during a loan spell with Blackburn, but has shown his quality over the years in Germany, and was also on top form during the 2014 World Cup, helping USA reach the knock-out stages in Brazil.
6) Landon Donovan (Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Everton)
Never reached his full potential playing in Europe, but did enjoy loan spells in Germany and, most notably, in England with Everton. Will go down as one of the MLS’s greatest ever players after retiring last year.
5) Brian McBride (Wolfsburg, Preston, Everton, Fulham)
An iconic figure at Fulham, having scored 33 goals in 140 league games. His spell with the London side followed loans with Preston and Everton. He returned to the States to finish his career with Chicago.
4) Michael Bradley (Heerenveen, Borussia Monchengladbach, Chievo, Roma, Aston Villa)
Never quite delivered what was expected of him in Europe, despite regularly impressing on international duty. Now back in the MLS with Toronto, the troubled side that also have Jermain Defoe in their squad.
3) Brad Friedel (Galatasaray, Liverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa, Tottenham)
The legendary goalkeeper might not have made the grade at Liverpool, but he has been an iconic figure thanks to spells with Blackburn, Villa and Spurs. Set the record for consecutive Premier League appearances.
2) Tim Howard (Manchester United, Everton)
Wasn’t deemed good enough at Man United, but has developed into an excellent stopper at Everton – with the summer’s World Cup in Brazil highlighting all his talents to their full extent. Has been missed badly this season through injury.
1) Clint Dempsey (Fulham, Tottenham)
Famously led Fulham to a European final under Roy Hodgson, and while a move to Tottenham didn’t work out, he will be fondly remembered for his time with the Craven Cottage outfit. Now back playing in the States.
SEE ALSO: Liverpool transfer news