Philippe Senderos: Messi has drastically improved the quality of Football in MLS
Former MLS and La Liga defender Philippe Senderos has told NewBettingOffers.co.uk that he believes football in America has seen a significant increase in quality since he played there for Houston Dynamo, and that can partly be attributed to the impact Lionel Messi has had since joining Inter Miami two years ago.
Speaking to NewBettingOffers.co.uk, Senderos said: “Lionel Messi has had a huge impact on Major League Soccer since joining Inter Miami in 2023. Not only has he dramatically increased the following of the MLS outside of the US, but he’s also had a significant impact on the calibre of football played over there.
“It’s been brilliant to see MLS improving year after year and it doesn’t seem as though it’s going to stop anytime soon - it looks like it’s going to be a continuous improvement from here on out.
“There’s a massive difference already from when I was playing for Houston Dynamo to now. Back then, you had two or three players that were head and shoulders above the rest and the average player in the league wasn’t at the same level. Today, the standard of football being played in that league has dramatically improved but you still have those players like Messi who stand out.
“It makes the whole league more competitive when the standard rises and the average player there now looks a whole lot better than they did when I was playing. Players like Messi have such a huge impact both on the pitch as well as off it.
“Messi leads by example and you can see the culture shift since his arrival. He’s a true professional and sets the standard on how you should behave and how you should approach training. This is the impact that trickles down to the younger players which is why we’re seeing a more professional approach by every team in the league.”
Ronaldo has played a massive role in the Saudi Pro League’s bright future
Senderos also commented on Cristiano Ronaldo and his impact in the Saudi Pro League, claiming that the standards he’s set have stood the league in good stead moving forwards and that he’d expect to see him playing for another couple of years.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is definitely up there with one of the toughest opponents I’ve ever faced in my career,” said Senderos. “He’s an exemplary professional and to see what he’s doing at his age is hugely impressive. He still looks good when I watch him play, and yes he might not have the legs he did 20 years ago, but he looks after himself and still enjoys the game. I think he’s still got a few more years left in him.
“He’s having the same impact over in the Saudi Pro League as Messi is in MLS, if not even bigger. He’s brought a lot of eyes onto football in the Middle East which Messi has done in the US from all over the world.
“You can still tell he’s dedicated to not only improving his own ability every day, but those around him, too. He’s clearly had a huge impact on Al Nassr and the environment at the club, I’ve seen it first hand from working over in Saudi - he’s really transformed the club since he’s come in.
“The standards have certainly been raised and if they’re able to continue in this direction, I think the league has a great future.”
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