It's now February and the January transfer window has closed, but not without some big-time transfers taking place in the closing days. Major League Soccer came out net zero almost, losing a rising star to the English Premier League, while bringing in a European international from Italy's Serie A.

First the departure, NY Red Bulls 6-foot-3 defender Matt Miazga was bought for an undisclosed amount by EPL giant Chelsea. Just 20-years-old, Miazga had a breakout year in 2015 making 30 appearances for a Red Bulls team that made a deep run in the MLS playoffs. Born in Clifton, NJ Miazga was a "home grown" player for the Red Bulls, signing his first professional contract at 14. 

Being as tall as he is, the young up-and-comer has a reputation for being good in the air, but impressed Chelsea by showing the agility to keep pace with quick forwards, even when playing high pressing defense. That should serve him well in with the fast up-and-down style of the Premier League.

There was some doubt as to whether Miazga would play for the US at the national team level, as he is eligible to also play for Poland, as his parents are Polish immigrants. Although that doubt was erased when he made an appearance in a US uniform in a World Cup qualifier against St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which the U.S. won 6-1. He grew up in the US youth system as well, playing for the U-20 and U-23 USA sides. It was at the U-20 World Cup while playing for the US that he caught the eye of Chelsea.

Being so young, and with no professional experience outside the MLS, it would be natural to think that Chelsea would loan Miazga out to a smaller European club to get experience. Although Chelsea manager Gus Hiddink doesn't seem to be thinking that way, as he has included Miazga in his Champions League roster, dropping veteran an Colombian international Radamel Falcao instead.

Therefore it looks like the young American will be depended on right away, and have the training wheels taken right off.

Nigel de Jong comes to Los Angeles

The LA Galaxy added to their stable of stars, finding English star Steven Gerrard a midfield partner in Holland international Nigel de Jong. De Jong comes over from Italy where he was released by AC Milan. A defensive midfielder, de Jong has a reputation of playing a hard-nosed style, often drawing the ire of opponents. You may remember him catching Spain's Xabi Alonso high in the chest with an errant kick in the 2010 World Cup championship match in South Africa.

De Jong is 31-years-old and has played at Ajax, Hamburg, Manchester City and AC Milan in addition to making 81 caps for the Netherlands.

Photo: Flickr/Erik Drost