re: Your 2017 Major League Soccer Thread: Previews, Highlights, News, Comments

I very much appreciate the feedback lads.

This year's MLS player survey by ESPNFC has been released to the public. The responses of 140 players were compiled regarding many questions. Without further adieu, here are some:


Should MLS games be played during FIFA international breaks?
- 82% NO
- 14% YES


Does the USMNT benefit when its players leave Europe to compete in MLS?
- 46% YES
- 31% NO
- 13% DOESN'T MATTER

"Look at the January camp. They get to spend more time together, which is hard for other national teams to do. Players playing all over the world have a tough time getting in sync. Having the U.S. players close to home is an advantage."

"Europe is where the best leagues are. To come back to MLS, you're promoting MLS, but you're not doing yourself and your country any favors."

"It's all about a mentality. You can't come back and take days off. This league is on the come-up. Guys who think it's easy usually don't do too well."


Was Bruce Arena the right man to replace Jurgen Klinsmann as U.S. head coach?
- 90% YES
- 1% NO


Which side has the best, most vocal, home support?
- 49% Portland
- 28% Seattle
- 14% SKC
- 4% Orlando City
- 3% Toronto


Who is the most underrated player in the league?
- 9% Dax McCarty
- 6% Diego Chara
- 6% Sebastian Lletget
- 3% Ignacio Piatti
- 2% Darlington Nagbe
- 2% Sam Cronin
- 2% Tommy McNamara
- 2% Kellyn Rowe
- 2% Eric Alexander


Who is the most overrated player in the league?
- 16% Mix Diskerud
- 7% Michael Bradley
- 5% Alejandro Bedoya
- 4% Jozy Altidore
- 4% Andrea Pirlo
- 2% Erik Torres
- 2% Kei Kamara
- 2% Jermaine Jones


Does the Chinese Super League's spending power threaten MLS' ability to compete for top talent?
- 54% NO
- 46% YES

"I think as long as they have that limit of three foreign players on the field, no."

"Maybe, but I think the majority of them would still rather live in America."


Which big-name Designated Player would you like to come to MLS?
- 22% Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- 20% Lionel Messi
- 17% Cristiano Ronaldo
- 6% Wayne Rooney
- 6% Neymar
- 4% Iniesta
- 4% Javier Hernandez

"Ibrahimovic would be great entertainment. He'd be on SportsCenter almost daily."

"There's a type more than a specific player. They have to be 23-27-years old. They have to be on the upswing of their career. Giovinco is the archetype DP for this league."


Which player crosses the line in terms of discipline more than any other?
- 25% Ozzie Alsonso
- 11% Felipe
- 7% Jermaine Jones
- 5% Kendall Waston
- 4% Diego Chara
- 4% Aurelien Collin
- 2% Clint Dempsey

"Jermaine Jones. He thinks he's bigger than what he is. I know that sometimes you get frustrated, but you can't get into personal stuff like 'I have money and you don't.'"


Has refereeing got better or worse over the past year?
- 49% BETTER
- 28% SAME
- 16% WORSE


If you were commissioner for a day, what would be the one thing you would change?
- 36% Raise salaries
- 18% Charter flights
- 8% Greater freedom of movement
- 5% More transparency
- 4% Eliminate player classification
- 3% Ban turf


Are you happy with MLS' salary structure?
- 79% NO
- 16% YES

"It could be better, but the strides they made over the last two CBA have been good. I came into the league on a $12,000 contract; now these guys are making $50,000 and $60,000. It's come a long way and hopefully it keeps going."

"The discrepancy between the DPs (designated players) and the guys on the minimum salary is insane."


What is the best thing about being an MLS player?
- 24% Getting paid to play soccer
- 22% Living in the US/Canada
- 13% Being part of MLS' growth
- 9% Lifestyle/schedule
- 8% League infrastructure


Link to the full survey: ESPNFC