'I put it like next to Belgium, maybe higher' - San Diego FC star and MVP candidate Anders Dreyer compares MLS favorably to middle-tier European leagues

San Diego FC star Anders Dreyer shared his perspective on Major League Soccer's quality, comparing the North American competition to several European leagues based on his personal experience. The Danish international, who joined expansion side San Diego FC in 2025 after playing in Denmark, Russia, and Belgium during his career, positioned MLS favorably within the global soccer hierarchy. Dreyer acknowledged the established dominance of Europe's top five leagues and Portugal at the summit of world soccer.

“I think that's a good question,” Dreyer said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast. “I think you have the big five leagues, the top five leagues, and then I think the Portuguese League as well, but I think now I played in Belgium, and I think the level (of MLS) is similar to the Belgium football [league]. Yeah, I think the level over here is better than the Danish league. The Russian League as well...But I think the MLS league is a good level of football, and there are very, very good players in this league. That keeps the level high, which is important for the league. But no, I put it very high and I put it like next to Belgium, maybe higher."

The Danish midfielder is currently thriving with San Diego FC, with 16 assists and 11 goals, which has led many to consider him a main challenger for the MVP alongside Lionel Messi. However, Dreyer played down claims of wanting the MVP and said that achieving better team results is more important than individual performances.

“For me, the most important thing is the team,” Dreyer explained. “And I think players who play on a team, which is successful will be viewed better...One player can't win the game alone. Um, so I think it's always the team, and it's always been, and then there will always be guys. And now we have three guys as well here, which is showing that we're doing a good job, and it's also the guys that are back home now in San Diego, that's their credit that we're here.”

Dreyer's assessment represents a significant endorsement from a European player with direct experience in multiple competitions, adding credibility to MLS's growing reputation within global soccer.

San Diego FC currently sit at the top of the Western Conference with 46 points after 25 league games and face Pachuca next in the first game of their League Cups group stage on July 29. Following that, they’ll face Tigres UANL in their second game of the League Cup on August 1.