Are these five reasons to pay attention to MLS this season?

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2. Unpredictability

While most of the country is enamoured with the rise of Leicester City and the possibility of a new team winning the Premier League outside of the established billionaire’s club, such events are simply the norm in MLS – the best funded teams are not necessarily the most successful. Although their first year in the league, last season can only be seen as a disappointment for a New York City team containing Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa, failing to reach the play-offs. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Galaxy, considered by many to be favourites for the MLS Cup and boasting a squad featuring Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Giovanni Dos Santos, could only reach the first round of knock-outs.

Across town, the other team from Gotham; New York Red Bulls, made it to the Conference finals. Their biggest star, you ask? Football League’s Bradley Wright-Phillips. Eventually the overall winners would prove to be nobody’s pick Portland Timbers (featuring ex-Birmingham and Aston Villa full-back Liam Ridgewell).

The parity of a league is something sacredly enshrined in American sports, and while the lack of a relegation and promotion system may jar with European expectations, it helps ensure that every season is wholly unpredictable.

3. Young players

In recent years, the structure of youth development has changed slightly in American soccer (apologies to those of you offended by the ‘S’ word). The league has taken something of a step back from the traditional college/draft route prevalent in leagues such as NFL and NBA, and instead clubs have created their own academies. This; along with the introduction of a reserve league, is contributing to a wave of young talents making their mark.

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We have already seen the likes of DeAndre Yedlin (Spurs/Sunderland) and Matt Miazga (Chelsea) come to the Premier League and there is another wave of young players seeking to earn a move to Europe. Keep an eye out for Diego Fagundez at the New England Revolution, Gyasi Zardes at LA Galaxy and Dillan Serna at Colorado Rapids.