August 2023 Archive: MLS in Europe and the 'Worst' Player Position
Welcome to the August 2023 roundup from Football Fan Tracker. In just two posts we covered two fun topics that got a lot of comments: how Europeans see Major League Soccer, and a cheeky look at which position gets the most blame when a player flops.
How Europeans See MLS
First up, we asked the big question: "How is MLS viewed by Europeans?" The short answer is: it’s a mixed bag. Some fans in England and Germany treat MLS like a growing league that’s finally catching up with the Old World classics. They point to rising stars, better stadiums, and the fact that big names like Messi and Beckham have shown up in the past.
Other Europeans stay skeptical. They still think the league is a step below the Premier League or La Liga because of the salary cap, the travel distances, and the fact that a lot of talent still heads to Europe after a few years in the US. That split view creates an interesting conversation‑starter for any fan who wants to compare the games across the Atlantic.
What matters most is the growing respect for MLS’s youth academies and its push for more competitive play. When you hear a German fan say, "Their clubs are investing in homegrown talent and that’s serious," you know the perception is shifting. The post highlighted real examples – the rise of clubs like Austin FC and the impact of MLS clubs selling players to top European sides.
Which Position Gets the ‘Worst’ Player Tag?
The second post tackled a tongue‑in‑cheek question: "What position does the worst soccer player play?" The quick joke is that the bench is the worst spot – but the deeper dive shows it’s not that simple. Goalkeepers often take the heat because a mistake can lead to a goal in seconds. Strikers also get flak when they miss easy chances.
We broke it down by role, showing that every position has its own pressure points. Defenders need to stay organized, midfielders have to link defense and attack, and coaches expect full‑backs to both defend and support the wing. When a player struggles, the blame can spread across the whole line, not just one spot.
What’s useful for casual fans is the reminder that soccer is a team sport. Even the best players have off days, and pinning the blame on a single position ignores the tactics and the flow of the game. The post also gave a few real‑world stories – like a goalkeeper who saved a penalty but still got a red card for a handling error – to illustrate how quickly opinion can swing.
Both posts sparked lively discussions in our community, and they give a snapshot of the kind of content you can expect from Football Fan Tracker. Whether you’re curious about how the US league stacks up overseas or you love a good debate about player roles, the August archive has something for you.
Keep checking back for more fresh takes, stats, and fan opinions. We love hearing your thoughts, so drop a comment and join the conversation!