3 Major League Soccer stars Aston Villa could utilize
By Josh Tonti
Major League Soccer has quietly bred several players who went on to impact England’s top divisions. Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, and Clint Dempsey are just three examples of former Premier League stars who began their careers in MLS.
1. CB – Walker Zimmerman, 24, F.C. Dallas
This current crop of MLS stars can help Aston Villa in positions of need. The fickle nature of global passports and work permits always ensures a difficult time of foreign signings. Therefore, any potential interest from two parties can fall apart on a whim.
Central defender Walker Zimmerman highlights this list as an up-and-coming center back with the United States Men’s National Team. With his club, F.C. Dallas, Zimmerman encompasses a youth revolution down in Texas. He, Kellyn Acosta, Jesus Ferreira, Jesse Gonzalez, and others represent just some of the big names coming through the ranks.
One could add Zimmerman’s central defense partner, Matt Hedges, 25, and USMNT defender to this list too, but that would be cheating, no?
At 24 and standing at 6’3″, Zimmerman has the physical attributes to succeed in England’s top divisions. His ever-growing experience on the international stage should help his development at the nuances of the game.
Zimmerman and Hedges both are comfortable at playing on either side of central defense – a big swoon to Aston Villa, who drop off considerably when captain James Chester gets pushed to the left.
Zimmerman could come in immediately and push both Tommy Elphick and Nathan Baker.