Major League Soccer has maybe not always been viewed as one of the stronger leagues around the world, but that does not mean that the world views our homegrown players as lesser quality. Many of our players have gone abroad to play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, a la Clint Dempsey or Michael Bradley.

Despite many like Dempsey and Bradley returning to the MLS in recent seasons many top players remain abroad and are highly coveted by their clubs. Still, US Men’s National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann has preached that players get better by playing in Europe rather than MLS, and has pushed many of his players to seek opportunities in the European leagues.

Therefore from time to time I am going to be reviewing how our boys are doing overseas, especially in Europe. Some names and teams you may recognize, others, not so much.

Tim Howard

The Secretary of Defense of course caught the eye of the entire soccer world for his brilliance in front of the net in the 2014 World Cup, but he has been with English club Everton for years.

Already a fan favorite, he’s been with the club since 2006. Monday he again started in front of goal, where he has been a staple, much like US legends Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel were in their time in the Premier League.

Howard was integral in helping Everton salvage a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, saving a header off a corner at point-blank range. In addition, just after halftime Howard again had an impressive save when Palace were on a clear breakaway.

DeAndre Yedlin 

Ah the hometown boy. Yedlin of course is an O’Dea High School and Sounders product, gaining notoriety for his superb performances in the last World Cup, albeit at the tender age of 21.

At the beginning of this year Yedlin was transferred to Tottenham, but since the start of the 2015-16 season he has been on loan at EPL club Sunderland.

Currently in danger of relegation, Sunderland has trotted Yedlin out onto the pitch seven times thus far, and he played the full 90 minutes on the right wing against Arsenal last weekend. Sunderland lost 3-1.

John Brooks

Brooks is another one of the German born American players that Klinsmann has recruited onto the US national team. Only 22-years-old, Brooks has earned high praise from his coaches, with his Hertha Berlin coach Pal Dardai calling him a “diamond.”

Over the weekend Brooks headed home the winning goal to seal a 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. With the win Hertha moves into fourth place in the Bundesliga.

A defender, Brooks is under contract with his hometown club until 2017, although reports say recent negotiations have hit an impasse.

Many other Americans are worth keeping an eye on, and soon we will take a look at a few more like Julian Green, Brad Guzan and Jozy Altidore. USA!

 Photo: Flickr/Erik Drost