North American players in Europe: the best XI, from Davies to Wingo

As the European calendar officially shifts to preseason for the 2022-23 season (and well into the never-ending transfer season, at times the best season), let’s take one last look at the 2021-22 campaign for Americans and Canadians abroad.

Here’s a Best XI of Americans and Canadians in Europe from the 2021-22 campaign.

The most accomplished American goalkeeper in Europe is one not on the national team radar. Josh Cohen, a star for Maccabi Haifa in Israel, wrapped up another title-winning season this year. He was even named Player of the Year for the league two seasons ago.

Perhaps Cohen will get a look with the national team in a post-World Cup camp?

Under consideration: Milan Borjan, Red Star Belgrade; Zack Steffen, Manchester City

Borjan won the Serbian SuperLiga as the starter for Red Star again, while Steffen was part of another dominating Manchester City side, though was firmly the backup. He is on the verge of joining Middlesbrough on loan.

Hungarian giants Ferencváros won another league title last season and competed in the Europa League. Often their starting right back was American Henry Wingo.

Always a nice reminder that development isn’t linear and there are myriad successful career paths. This summer there had been some interest from MLS clubs to bring him back, too.

Under consideration: Sergino Dest, Barcelona; Reggie Cannon, Boavista

Sergiño Dest gets an honorable mention almost by default, but in the past, simply being on Barcelona’s roster would make him an obvious choice. But the rollercoaster of whether or not Barcelona were scapegoating him on a week-to-week basis was enough to keep him out.

Fulham yo-yo’d straight back up into the Premier League, with Tim Ream, who often wore the captain’s armband,