MLS released its Best XI today, and Castrol revealed its final rankings for league players, with Red Bull captain Thierry Henry being honored in both.
Henry _ who had already been named the Red Bulls’ Most Valuable Player _ finished the season a team-high 14 goals, third in the league’s Golden Boot race. He is just the eight New York player to be so honored, and the first since Juan Pablo Angel in 2007.
“Thierry has had a very positive impact on the league, added credibility on and off the field with what he’s been able to achieve competitively,’’ said MLS commissioner Don Garber.
“He’s had a good season with his goal-scoring, helped make the Red Bulls a better team and people are paying more attention to us because of Thierry’s decision to play in MLS. I look forward to bigger and better things from him.’’
The French striker joined Seattle keeper Kasey Keller, Real Salt Lake defender Jamison Olave, Los Angeles defenders Omar Gonzalez and Todd Dunivant, Galaxy midfielders Landon Donovan and David Beckham, FC Dallas’ Brek Shea, Houston’s Brad Davis, San Jose strkker Chris Wondolowski and D.C. Dwayne DeRosario.
Here are all of the Red Bulls/MetroStars that have appeared in the MLS Best XI: Roberto Donadoni (1996), Clint Mathis (2000), Tim Howard (2001, ’02), Eddie Pope (2003, 2004), Eddie Gaven (2004), Amado Guevara (2004), Juan Pablo Angel (2007).
Henry also finished third in the season-ending Castrol rankings. Wondolowski was officially named the “Castrol MLS Index Player of the Year” with a 9.31 ranking out of a perfect 10. Seattle’s Alvario Fernandez was second at 9.26, with Henry third at 9.21.
Henry’s next highest-ranking teammate was right winger Dane Richards. Despite being often-underrated, the speedy Jamaican had had a career year with seven goals and seven assists to finish 13th in the rankings with an 8.84.
No other Red Bull cracked the Top 50, but for comparison’s sake, Tim Ream’s solid finish to the year put him 53rd (8.12), one spot ahead of Joel Lindpere (8.1). Teemu Tainio was 88th, Roy Miller 90th, and Rafa Marquez just missed the Top 100 level at 101 with a 7.53. Luke Rodgers was 105th, but it should be noted the rankings weigh playing time, so the English striker dropped due to missing two months from injury.